Women's Rights Center Opens in Diwaniyah

Women's Rights Center Opens in Diwaniyah: Dr. Condoleezza Rice Sends Taped Message to the Women

Released By the Coalition Provisional Authority

Diwaniyah, Iraq

January 9, 2004

Diwaniyah, Iraq. The Diwaniyah Women's Rights Center opened today. The purpose of the Center is to assist widowed, impoverished, and vulnerable women as they improve their lives and those of their children. The Center will help enable the women to participate in a free, democratic Iraq. As an Iraqi woman recently explained,

"We want to know about democracy and women's rights, but unfortunately until now we didn't know how to deal with these issues."

Dr. Condoleezza Rice, U.S. National Security Advisor, sent remarks via a taped message translated into Arabic. In her remarks, Dr. Rice congratulated the women on their new Center:

"Today marks another significant occasion, and I would like to congratulate you on the opening of the Women’s Rights Center. A new day continues for Iraqi women of all ethnic and religious backgrounds. You are free – free to play an integral part in society."

During the former Regime, Iraqi women would never have dreamed of meeting to discuss their rights as individuals. The husbands, fathers, and sons of many of the women attending were killed by the former Regime. The Diwaniyah Women’s Rights Center provides an opportunity for women to claim back their freedoms and focus on their futures as leaders and valuable participants in the reconstruction of a free Iraq. Dr. Rice provided encouragement to the women as they work for a democratic Iraq.

"As women, you bring a vital perspective and balance to the conversation and decisions before all Iraqis. I want to encourage you to have the broadest possible goals for yourselves and for all the women of Iraq – because women can make a difference in any society, but particularly in one that is building anew. Your opportunities are endless, your role in Iraq’s future vital. This is a historic moment for you as Iraqi women, for your country, and for the world. On behalf of President Bush and for the American people, I wish you success as you become and remain engaged in the very important work of building a free and democratic Iraq."

Open to all women, the Center is not owned or operated by any particular group or individual. Democratically elected women will run the Center. Activities offered at the Center will include:

Women and children’s nutrition and health classes
Literacy and English programs
Internet café to teach computer and internet skills
Democracy education

This Women’s Rights Center is the second Center to open in the South Central Region, which represents approximately 12 million people. The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) worked with women from all across Diwaniyah to establish the Center. In the coming weeks, more Centers will open throughout the South Central Region of Iraq.

Learning about freedom and responsibility in a democratic society are essential as Iraqis move toward a sovereign government. The Diwaniyah Women’s Rights Center represents another important step forward for all Iraqi women. CPA South-Central will continue to help Iraqi women as they work to participate in a free, democratic Iraq.

Released on January 12, 2004

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