Conference addresses role of women in Iraq

February 14, 2008 - (Middle East Times) A newly formed women's committee met before community leaders and their colleagues in a school in Iraq to discuss issues regarding community welfare.

Representatives of the Hawr Rajab's Women's Committee said women were faced with taking on head-of-household roles as many of the Iraqi men have died from the violence since the 2003 invasion, the Multi-National Force-Iraq said.

A key speaker at the event, Manar Fahdil Salman, a lawyer who was raised in the area, said women needed to take a more active role in the community development of Iraq.

"This message is for the entire world. We need to show them that we have rules. We need to help side-by-side with the men to help our city be safe. This can't be done with one hand, all of us need to help," Salman said.

Salman recognized the improved security situation in Iraq provided an opportunity for women to advance in their communities.

"Women in this area are looking for training. They are looking for special skills and training to help them provide for their communities," she said.

Hawr Rajab is located about 12 miles south of Baghdad.

From:http://www.metimes.com/Security/2008/02/14/conference_addresses_role_of_women_in_iraq/976c/