HILLA, Iraq -- The U.S. administrator in Iraq told a gathering of Iraqi women Tuesday that they could make a vital contribution to a free and democratic society.

"The work you do will make a difference for years to come," L. Paul Bremer told about 200 women attending a conference on women's rights in Hilla, 40 miles south of Baghdad. "There is indeed hope in Iraq today and women across the country are working to improve the society."

The audience also heard a videotaped address by National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice, who urged them to take an active role in the rebuilding of Iraq.

"I encourage you, because as members of the coalition, the United States and those who have helped you liberate your country want you to succeed," Rice said in remarks translated into Arabic.

The conference, sponsored by USAID and the American Islamic Congress, looked at ways Iraqi women could secure their social, legal, and political rights.

"The old constitution ... stated there were equal rights for all, but the previous regime took every opportunity to exclude women from society, and it was backed by a corrupt judiciary," Bremer told the audience. "Iraq's future now rests on making a new constitution ... There should be an effective role and voice for women."