"Women are smarter than men," Obama quipped to a chorus of laughs at the African Leaders Spousal Summit in Washington. "And the men can't complain because you're outnumbered today."

 

The event, co-sponsored by the Bush Institute, brought together first spouses throughout Africa who are in Washington for the U.S. Africa Leaders Summit.

 

Former First Lady Laura Bush joined Obama on-stage and fielded questions from journalist Cokie Roberts. This is the second time Obama and Bush have appeared on stage together. The two also joined forces last year in Tanzania at the African First Ladies Summit.

 

Obama and Bush discussed women's rights issues from around the world, saying those problems must be addressed before other major issues - like climate change, disease and famine - are addressed.

 

"Men, leaders, women, until we value women and girls, we won't tackle those other problems," Obama said. "Until we prioritize our girls and understand that they are important and that their education is as important as the education of our sons, then we will have lots of work to do."

 

Bush echoed that sentiment. "Only countries where all people are involved can be successful," she said.

 

"When we look around the world and see countries where half of the population is marginalized or left out, then we usually see countries that are failing," Bush added.

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