Breaking Barriers: Empowering Widows and Orphans in Iraq

This was a most interesting session - sponsored by Al Khoei Foundation Centre in London, England.

They have 3 projects in Iraq, south of Bagdad – Al Kawthar Project for widows and orphans.

The school in London, encourage children in London to raise funds for the project. The did a play which raised funds. Orphans need support – so many – most are girls, cultural values that prevent girls from going to school and university. Girls need more support than boys. 

Number of widows, 1 million, established the number of orphans, 5 million. Registered orphans 972,401. Need for rehabilitation, capacity building financial support 30 million total population for Iraq.  Housing conditions poor, School buildings are in need or repair, large number are needed to meet dmand.

Under 18, 16,481,369

Estimated orphans, 5,000,000

Work in Iraq, sponsorship for the child, microcredit for widows, medical support, school supply kits, EID present. Sent heaters and blankets. Need, buildings, funding, voluntary work awareness, NGO support, Culture of volunteering not exist in Iraq. Need for government support for NGOs. Need legislation and guidelines for NGOs working as volunteers in Iraq.The orphans generally have a family they stay with - no buildings that are orphanages, where they sleep and eat.

Statistics on population in Iraq. Don’t have official stats. By June, 2011 will have better stats. Iran war and Kuwait left many orphans. 2003 till now – terrorist acts that have left children orphans.  Terrorist – Ba'aths don’t want Iraq to prosper. 

Culture of volunteerism? Culture under Sadam Hussein was that  government should provide. No culture of volunteering, 30 years of dictatorship, couldn’t do anything. People are willing. So many sanctions before. Schools are open to everyone - in NY and London,  As soon as regime fell, countries have agendas, started as soon as regime folded. Bombing – increased.  Very conservative interpretations – 

Iraq is not a religious state, not like Iran. Education and cooperation – any plan for increasing and expanding the work? NEED TO RAISE AWARENESS – when went back – everyone saying where is the government. Now relizing can’t rely on paid staff.

Bukhari Foundation. All voluntary work. Mourning – lasts 60 to 80 days. . Prayers that are done in centre. 

Ambassador from Iraq - Ambassador Hamid Al-Bayati Speaking about support of UN Women. Under  previous regime all kinds of discrimination. 

Ambassador Hamid Al-Bayati

Paid a heavy price for Sadam.  Before 1991, doctors, engineers, were women.  Women have better chance now. Freedom now, but need encouragement, compensation. Can talk about achievements, but falling behind, MDGs. School, university – women less than men, but gap not as big now. Progress – need to more. Political life- a woman who served as his assistant. Promising diplomat – Lady ambassadors – need men who believe in women’s rights. 2011 with Michelle Bachelet will be positive. 

– Education for women – family life – need to educate men – misconception – men think women should be at home – women can do several things at the same time. Women secret to any successful family. Need strong family, strong community. NGOs can do what government’s can’t do. First to arrive when a disaster strikes.The ambassador spoke very well, and I think is genuinely supportive of women's equal role, and participation.

A couple of contacts - Doaa Abdulhussein, Al-Hakim Foundation and Nawal Al-Ibrahimi from the Al-Rafidain Children's Foundation.