Iraq Program Update to Sponsors – March 2007
Thank you for your generous support of Iraqi women survivors of war. We deeply appreciate your dedication to the women of our program. Thanks to sponsors like you, we have already successfully enrolled almost 700 Iraqi participants, and hope to increase participation to 1,500 women by the year’s end! During this particularly difficult time for Iraqis, you are providing these women with a source of hope for the future, which otherwise would be nearly impossible for them. I’m happy to provide you with some highlights of the first few months of our program in Iraq that has been compiled by our staff there.
Due to traditions, customs and financial burden in the rural areas of Hillah and Karbala, this was the first time many of the women received any kind of education. Women in these areas typically work in farming or animal husbandry and do not complete their studies. As part of our Rights Awareness and Leadership Education program, Iraqi participants take courses in five areas: politics, economy, family, health and nutrition. Some topics include Equality in Raising Boys and Girls, The Business Woman in Everyone, and Stress Management. Our manual trainers use a discussion based forum to help the women in our program find common ground and learn from mutual ideas.
Thank you for your generous support of Iraqi women survivors of war. We deeply appreciate your dedication to the women of our program. Thanks to sponsors like you, we have already successfully enrolled almost 700 Iraqi participants, and hope to increase participation to 1,500 women by the year’s end! During this particularly difficult time for Iraqis, you are providing these women with a source of hope for the future, which otherwise would be nearly impossible for them. I’m happy to provide you with some highlights of the first few months of our program in Iraq that has been compiled by our staff there.
Due to traditions, customs and financial burden in the rural areas of Hillah and Karbala, this was the first time many of the women received any kind of education. Women in these areas typically work in farming or animal husbandry and do not complete their studies. As part of our Rights Awareness and Leadership Education program, Iraqi participants take courses in five areas: politics, economy, family, health and nutrition. Some topics include Equality in Raising Boys and Girls, The Business Woman in Everyone, and Stress Management. Our manual trainers use a discussion based forum to help the women in our program find common ground and learn from mutual ideas.
The women in our program are particularly interested in Women and Family, Human Rights and Women’s Rights. They are now eager to assert themselves and stand up for what they believe in. Additionally, the domestic violence training has been very helpful in gaining knowledge and understanding on a sensitive issue. When delving into the reasons for such abuse, the majority of the women cited unemployment as the major motive for domestic abuse, followed by alcoholism, their current environment and ignorance.
While the women continue their studies, our staff continually assesses what impact the political events and news of the region is having on them. For example, many women’s husbands, sons and other family members were executed by the Hussein Regime, so they were particularly impacted by news of his trial and execution. News of the killings and bombings across the country saddens, frustrates and depresses many of our participants. For the Hillah program participants especially, the explosion in the local public market made them feel afraid to leave their homes. Yet despite their fear, they still come to their classes. Karbala’s situation is comparatively better than Hillah’s, but security remains unstable and difficult.
When asked to describe their feelings about program participation, the women generally felt secure and comfortable. Many women felt stronger and better equipped to handle hard circumstances once they heard the stories of suffering endured by their new network of sisters. Being with so many other women going through similar experiences has given the participants courage to speak up. Most importantly, being a part of the program makes these women feel human again. In terms of their monthly sponsorship funds, the women are so happy with their sponsors’ support. Some participants have purchased clothing for their children, while others have chosen to save the money for the future or purchase lighting or electrical equipment. Your support motivates our women to change their lives. Below you’ll find some highlights on three of our program participants that illustrate what it means to these women to take part in our program.
Azhar
Azhar is a widow from Hillah with six children. Her husband was killed and she is unable to support her family. When she joined Women for Women International, she found that she was not the only one who lost a husband, brother, father or son. In Azhar’s words “The program makes me feel comfortable because there is someone to listen to me and the program is like my only breath. Now I want to learn skills to support my family.”
Huda
Huda is a widow from Karbala. She was moved from Dyla after her husband died. Their house was attacked and he was killed in front of her because of sectarian differences that have been sweeping their province. Huda and her family have suffered greatly. She was depressed when she first joined the program. Her main motive for attendance at the rights awareness training sessions was the sponsorship funds she received each month. But now, she is a committed and active participant in the program for many reasons. As she stated, "I count the days until the next session." She feels lucky to have found the help and the support of her sisters and is fighting to learn the skills necessary to help her family and open a new page in her life.
Nidhal
Nidhal was married when she was just 15 years old. She was humiliated and ill treated by her husband who later abandoned her. Since joining the program and listening at her training courses, she has become a new person who feels happy and optimistic. She has renewed pride in herself, her appearance, and the smile has returned to her lips after such a long absence. Nidhal, like many of our participants now believes that there are many opportunities in this life for her.
On behalf of our Iraqi participants and hardworking overseas staff, I thank you for all that you’ve done to help women in need. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at sponsorship@womenforwomen.org or 202-737-7705.
Regards,
Stephanie Carter
Sponsorship Coordinator
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