[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 71 (Wednesday, June 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF THE ``EMPOWERMENT OF IRAQI WOMEN ACT OF 2006''

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2006

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today I, along with Representatives Zoe 
Lofgren (D-CA), Susan Davis (D-CA), and Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), 
introduce the ``Empowerment of Iraqi Women Act of 2006.'' This 
legislation would establish an Iraqi Women's Fund to help Iraqi women 
and girls in the areas of political, legal, and human rights, health 
care, education, training, security, and shelter, and it would 
authorize $22,500,000 in each fiscal year 2007, 2008, and 2009 for this 
fund. The ``Empowerment of Iraqi Women Act'' would also provide that 15 
percent of the aggregate amount of economic and humanitarian assistance 
authorized for Iraq in each fiscal year 2007, 2008, and 2009 shall be 
made available for assistance directly to Iraqi-led nongovernmental 
organizations (NGO) with demonstrated experience in delivering 
services. Moreover, of that 15 percent, not less than 5 percent shall 
be made available for Iraqi women-led organizations. The bill 
establishes requirements related to U.S. activities in Iraq including 
the inclusion of the perspectives and advice of Iraqi women's 
organizations in U.S. policymaking related to the governance of Iraq, 
promoting the achievement of 25 percent of the seats in the National 
Assembly, and encouraging the appointment of women to high-level 
positions within Iraqi Ministries. Finally, this legislation would 
place certain requirements on post-conflict reconstruction and 
development related to the partnering of U.S. organizations with Iraqi-
led organizations and would require that the training of Iraqi military 
and police include the protection, rights, and needs of women.
  It is vitally important that the equality and rights of Iraqi women 
are assured. I have met with several delegations of Iraqi women during 
my trips to Iraq and here in Washington. I am always inspired by their 
strength and courage to speak out in support of equality, even in the 
face of danger. While these women have hope, they understand that the 
future is very uncertain. There must be full participation and equal 
treatment under the law for women in Iraq. Every country that protects 
its women is a stronger country, and Iraq will be a stronger country if 
women are able to preserve their representation in the new Iraqi 
government.




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