30th Brigade Reps Discuss Women's Issues at Conference

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^ | Spc. Ruth McClary, USA

[SandRat]

An Iraqi woman proudly shows Lt. Col. Kelly Jackson, center, certificates of achievement from classes she completed in the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat team's area of operations as Capt. Katherine Swistak, left, and Capt. Melissa Hale, watch. The woman and and 10 other Iraqis were invited to the women's initiative conference at Camp Victory June 27, representing the southern Baghdad region. Photo by Spc. Ruth McClary.

BAGHDAD — Soldiers and civilians of 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team attended the Iraqi Women's Initiatives Quarterly Conference on Camp Victory, June 27.

The seminar, a forum in which the challenges facing Iraqi women can be openly discussed, was hosted by Multi-National Corps – Iraq and attended by representatives from its divisions, public reconstruction team leaders and three members of the Iraqi government.

About 100 people, mainly women, attended the conference.

"I believe that if the divisions work as partners, mapping everything, we can focus on the issues important to the Iraqi women," Lt. Col. Lucia Searcy, the women's initiative coordinator, for Multi-National Corps - Iraq.

The seminar included briefings from three members of the Iraqi government: Ms. Azhar al-Sharbaf, legal advisor for the Minister of State Public Affairs; Dr. Sallama al-Khafajii, advisor for Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih; and Dr. Sameerah al-Mosawi, a member of the Council of Representatives for Women, Family and Children.

Each of them spoke on empowering the women of Iraq, issues challenging women and Iraqi governmental initiatives to implement change.

"A woman feels proud when she has something of her own, it gives her a sense of accomplishment," said Dr. al-Mosawi. "Self confidence is important for the empowerment of women."

Specific topics addressed by Iraqi government officials were breast cancer awareness, the addition of nursery and kindergarten facilities and vocational centers for the disabled and safe havens for battered women.

The 30th Brigade Soldiers and civilians were led by Lt. Col. Kelly Jackson, of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., who discussed sustainable projects for the women in the brigade's area of operation with other division team leaders during roundtable discussions.

"The conference gave us a starting point to target sustainable projects for Iraqi women in our area of operation," said Jackson. "The discussions brought many good ideas to the forefront for us to consider."

Employment was noted as the main issue of concern for the Iraqi women in the brigade's area of operations, and addressing women's health care, female illiteracy and the needs of widows could lead to employment opportunities in their area.

"Opening a women's center is a sustainable project for the women because it will help with education, job placement and a daycare needs in one place," said Parween Omer Mohammed, of Kansas City, Mo., the brigade bilingual cultural advisor and a southern Baghdad area public reconstruction team representative.

Sustaining the Daughters of Iraq program through the Iraqi government, establishing a water purification plant, developing medical and self-examination classes and family centers with computer classes, job placement and pre-school education are some initiatives up for further discussion by the brigade.

Second Lt. Michelle Layton, the brigade medical planner, probed deeper to gain information from one of the one of the Iraqi council members on women's health concerns, hospital and clinic assets.

"We want to see what kind of issues the Iraqi women have with hospitals, clinics, and whether they have enough doctors male or female in their areas," said Layton, of Athens, Ga. "We want to learn more about existing birthing facilities and the need for equipment."

There is a 10 percent death rate for women and babies in the southern Baghdad region because of inadequate hospital transportation, said Mohammed.

According to Searcy, attendance at these quarterly seminars has doubled since the last meeting held in February, and Iraqi women's concerns and initiatives are developing into sustainable projects.

"It will be hard for the Iraqi women to sit back and do nothing now, maybe before when they didn't know any better," said Mohammed. "I see them getting stronger and stronger every day."

[SandRat]

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