Pryce:  Women must be Recognized in Iraq’s new Society

Washington, D.C.  – Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH-15) is today calling, again, for equal representation of women in Iraq’s new government.  Pryce, who met with Her Excellency Nasreen Barwari, the Iraqi Minister of Public Works, the only female member of the Iraqi cabinet, and other female members of Congress on Thursday, says she believes Iraq will succeed as a true democracy only with the equal inclusion of women in government.

“Right now, women in Iraq are pioneering new frontiers, not only for themselves, but also for generations to come.  I, along with my fellow Congresswomen, will continue to support Minister Barwari, and all women in Iraq, as they forge ahead to form a free and peaceful society for all Iraqi people,” said Pryce.     

“Iraqi women must be commended for the significant strides they have made to forge a free and democratic society in their country, since the fall of Saddam.  Their on-going contributions to stabilize their once volatile homeland requires extraordinary sacrifice and courage,” said Pryce.     

The Congresswoman is communicating her support of Iraqi women to Ambassador L. Paul Bremer, Presidential Envoy to Iraq and Administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority.   Bremer has previously stated that he will not approve any measure in the Iraq’s new constitution that compromise existing legal protections for women and children.  Additionally, Pryce joined the Congressional Iraqi Women’s Caucus which is focused on improving the lives of women by giving them access to education, and professional opportunities, including political participating. 

This week’s meeting is the third between Pryce and Barwari.  Most recently, the two women met in Baghdad while Pryce conducted the first all female Congressional Delegation to Iraq in October of 2003.  The Congressional Delegation focused the mission of their trip on the status of health care, employment opportunities and the Iraqi women’s ability to participate in the political process. 

In addition to Barwari’s service as the only woman in the Iraqi cabinet, two women currently serve on the Iraq’s Governing Council, and 6 women, out of a total of 35 members fill positions on the Baghdad City Council.    

Pryce, the fourth ranking member of House Leadership, represents the Fifteenth District of Ohio, which includes Western Franklin County, Madison, and Union Counties.