Iraqis celebrate International Women's Day, empower local women

Photo By Sgt. Rodney Foliente | Mike Klecheski, Diwaniya Provincial Reconstruction Team leader, participates in a graduation ceremony for Iraqi females on International Women's Day at al Nehrawan Youth Center in Diwaniya, March 8. From teenagers to grandmothers, women received their certificates for completing courses in skills such as making clothes, silk flowers, crafts and art, which offer financial opportunities in the local economy.  

DIWANIYAH, IRAQ

03.08.2009

Story by Sgt. Rodney Foliente 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP ECHO, Iraq – A large crowd of Iraqi females, ranging from teenagers to grandmothers, gathered at the al Nehrawan Youth Center in Diwaniya to celebrate International Women's Day with a graduation ceremony, March 8.

The graduates received their certificates for completing courses in skills such as making clothes, silk flowers, crafts and art, which offer financial opportunities in the local economy.

In this arid country, such colorful commodities are often in demand, said one of the graduates and ceremony participants. Future classes are also planned, including courses in computer technology, she said during a speech.

"The goal was to develop their skills so they may be more self-reliant economically," said Mike Klecheski, Provincial Reconstruction Team leader for Diwaniya. "It was really encouraging and nice to see so many people so enthusiastic and upbeat. It was partly because I think they were so satisfied and proud that they had accomplished so much and learned some very important skills."

The project was initiated by local women and an Iraqi non-government organization. The PRT helped facilitate the program, but the NGO and local Iraqis "took the lead in the program of encouraging civil society activity – organizing and developing a strong program to help individuals with their needs," said Klecheski.

"We supported the training and the NGO. Supporting efforts that empower people, strengthen their ability to earn money and strengthen the economy are all elements that the PRT is working on," said Klecheski. "This was just one example. We work very closely with our Iraqi partners. We try to implement what they suggest. They know what their needs are. It was their idea to do this training."

"This was a great example of economic development, civil society development and celebrating International Women's Day. Women organizing themselves for a very positive goal, that's what Women's International Day is about: that sense of consciousness and being able to do things for themselves."

Women in Iraq are becoming increasingly more active in ensuring their rights and creating more economic opportunities, said Esraa, an Iraqi interpreter who witnessed the ceremony.

She said that women's rights in Iraq have increased by at least 50 percent since the fall of the old regime, and the changes have been more drastic recently.

There are still many people who cling to how things were, when not as many women were encouraged to own shops or work as professionals, such as doctors, teachers and government workers. Some families still don't allow girls to get past secondary school and they are forced to quit education when they get married, continued Esraa.

"Many are not allowed to go to college because their families don't want them to," explained Esraa. But, there is an improvement and the number of women going to college or making a living for their families is on the rise.

Single mothers or widows are getting a better chance to take care of their children, she said. There is still more to do, but the road is getting easier and more promising.

A display of artwork aimed at celebrating International Women's Day was comprised of art made by male and female artists. The themes touched upon the plight, history, goals, accomplishments and freedom of women.

"There is progress here in Diwaniya and in much of Iraq. The future looks much better for women and self-sufficiency for us is more possible," said Esraa. "I felt proud and surprised to see those women who are working hard to build upon their lives and not have to always count on others. I cheered for them. It's good to have information and knowledge to improve their lives. I have a greater hope for the future."

• Date Taken: 03.08.2009
• Date Posted: 03.16.2009 14:56
• Story ID: 31185
• Location: DIWANIYAH, IQ