USA: Legislation to benefit Iraqi women
Source:
Maloney website On 6 June, Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), along with Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Susan Davis (D-CA), and Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), introduced legislation to help enhance the lives of Iraqi women.
Among other provisions, the Empowerment of Iraqi Women Act of 2006 would establish an Iraqi Women’s Fund to help Iraqi women and girls, and it would authorize $22,500,000 in each fiscal year 2007, 2008, and 2009 for this fund.
The bill also requires the inclusion of the perspectives and advice of Iraqi women’s organizations in U.S. policymaking related to the governance of Iraq, promoting the achievement of 25% of the seats in the National Assembly, and encouraging the appointment of women to high-level positions within Iraqi Ministries. Finally, this legislation would require that the training of Iraqi military and police include the protection, rights, and needs of women.
“It is vitally important that the equality and rights of Iraqi women are assured,” Maloney said. “There must be full participation and equal treatment under the law for women in Iraq. Every country that protects its women is a stronger country, and Iraq will be a stronger country if women are able to preserve their representation in the new Iraqi government.”
“It is vitally important that the equality and rights of Iraqi women are assured,” Maloney said. “There must be full participation and equal treatment under the law for women in Iraq. Every country that protects its women is a stronger country, and Iraq will be a stronger country if women are able to preserve their representation in the new Iraqi government.”
