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Report from Iraq

MADRE's partner, the Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq, has been hard at work responding to the needs of women and families in Iraq's continued climate of violence. OWFI programs include:

Shelters

Because of the extremely sensitive situation of the women staying in the OWFI shelters, we are unable to publish any specific or personal information-including photographs-that could put the women at risk. For a general description of the shelters, please visit MADRE's Iraq program page.

Health Campaign

OWFI organized a day of free medical care and medicines for women and their children. As the women waited, OWFI activists led discussions about women's current situation vs. their expectations, especially regarding domestic abuse and self-esteem. They also talked with the women about resistance to religious misogyny.

Back to School Campaign

During the health campaign, OWFI saw that many of the children who came to the clinic were not registered in school. The children were being denied admission because their parents did not have the proper legal papers documenting lease or ownership of their homes. OWFI activists raised the problem with the ministry of education and succeeded in registering 28 children.

To celebrate and prepare the children for their return to school, OWFI distributed running shoes and stationary. OWFI made it clear that they would be following up with the children and their mothers in the coming months, offering incentives for the children to work hard in school.

Back to Work Campaign

Many women have expressed to OWFI their need and desire to get back to work. OWFI is helping these women find jobs and re-integrate into the workforce.

Women's Activism

OWFI has been a strong voice against legalizing oppression of women in the new Iraqi state. In the weeks leading up to the creation of a new Iraqi constitution, the women of OWFI organized demonstrations and press conferences to speak out against basing legislation on religion at the expense of international human rights and women's rights. They received extensive media attention throughout Iraq, and also internationally, including coverage on BBC International.

OWFI leads intensive courses on activism and women's human rights to help develop women's leadership and empower and equip Iraqi women to respond to the violence that is permeating their lives. OWFI's courses focus on feminism both globally and locally. They also examine the spectrum of women's organizations that are currently working in Baghdad, helping women make sense of what can be an extremely confusing jumble of old and new groups, each with their own agenda.