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Speech Overview:
A Civilian’s View of Life in Iraq
Twenty-two months in Iraq as a civilian running a women’s development program has given me a unique perspective on Iraq, its people and the war.
In March 2004, I put my consulting business of 35 years on hold and traveled to Iraq for what was supposed to be a six month attempt to help Iraqi women participate in the U.S.’s commitment to rebuild their country.
By way of background, women, contrary to what I think is the common view, play a big part in Iraq’s government and workforce. Women are 62% of the population in Iraq. Decades of bloodshed have left many women widows, with no men to care for them or their families.
Having been an activist on behalf of women’s rights for years I believed from the beginning that unless Iraqi women had a stake in the economy, democracy would fail! Going to Iraq was my chance to:
- Impact a fledgling democracy;
- Support the efforts of my country;
- And test my strength and commitment to helping women.
I knew my life was going to be very different, but I had no clue how different it was going to be living in a war zone with the constant sounds of mortars, gunfire and helicopters overhead. Learning to adjust to wearing a 40 lb. flak jacket and helmet to walk to work each day in 140 degree weather was a test of my resolve.
I left Baghdad in March 2006 with a great sense of accomplishment:
- Over 1,900 mid and senior level women of the Ministries (government utilities) provided with career development training programs
- 350 women owned businesses were trained to bid and win US reconstruction contracts
- Over 500 contracts awarded to Iraqi women-owned businesses
But I also left with a deep sense of disappointment in our own disrespect for the Iraqis and particularly for the women of Iraq. Our lack of leadership and lack of respect for the Iraqis provided a situation that was guaranteed to fail.
What are we going to do in Iraq? Can we just pull our troops out and bring them home? What about our moral commitment? These are the burning questions on every American’s mind.
We have lost faith in the President, we have lost faith in Congress, and we have lost faith in the Media. We have conflicting messages and little or no leadership on this most important issue. We have a true crisis of leadership in our country and it saddens me. The Democrats are just as bad as the Republicans.
Although I am no apologist for the war, I believe providing an insight into our efforts in Iraq and sharing personal stories of the people that I met and worked with is important.
My presentation includes stories of personal triumphs, the courage and tragedy of people in Iraq and, I hope, is delivered with humor and objectivity.
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