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Women, Peace and Security Initiatives: Iraq
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Iraq: The Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq condemns violence
The Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) condemns the killings of women in Basra and Umara and calls for women's protection services. (OWFI via WiB)
End the Genocide on Women of Iraq! "The southern cities of Iraq which are totally under the grip of Islamist parties have turned into no-woman zones. Female physical appearance is not acceptable in the streets, educational institutions, or at work places. Although veiled and passive, death awaits women around street corners, in the market, and visits them inside their homes daily in the city of Basra.

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dvd: Iraqi Women Speak Out

In the Spring of 2006 six Iraqi women crisscrossed the US at the invitation of Code Pink. They spoke about their experiences under occupation. They traveled to dozens of cities, speaking with community groups, churches, veterans and families of active duty GIs. (Read short bios of them below)Deep Dish TV in collaboration with Code Pink has produced an emotionally charged DVD that features these amazing women speaking directly from their hearts to the people of the U.S., pleading for us to force an end to the occupation and bring all troops home immediately. We would like to partner with your organization to get the DVD seen by as many people as possible. It is a powerful organizing tool. You can view part of the documentary free on the Internet at: http://www.blip.tv/file/125757/

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In Defense of Iraqi Women: For solidarity with our sisters and an immediate end to the occupation!
Radical Women and Freedom Party
June, 2005
To: President George W. Bush and U.S. Congress:
Whereas the only weapons of mass destruction in Iraq belong to the U.S. and its allies, and the U.S. government's profit-driven military policies are killing U.S. soldiers and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians, we, the undersigned stand in solidarity with those hardest hit by the occupation: the women of Iraq. For more information and sign the petition visit http://www.PetitionOnline.com/Iraqwomn/

Support women’s conference in Baghdad for a secular constitution
Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq -UK Representative
March 9, 2005
The Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) is holding its conference in Baghdad under the title ‘Women and the constitution’ on 9 March 2005. This event is an important step for us. It will greatly enhance the fight to organize women’s rights activists and organizations around demands for women’s rights to be enshrined in law and to have an egalitarian secular constitution which recognizes women’s rights as equal citizens in society. For more information contact Houzan Mahmoud, houzan73@yahoo.co.uk

National Symposium for Iraqi Women
Iraq's Ministry of Women's Affairs
October 10-11 2004
More than 500 women and men took part in the first national symposium of Iraqi women, organized by Iraq's Ministry of Women's Affairs (MOWA) in close collaboration with UNIFEM. Several ministers, including the deputy prime minister and the minister of defense, as well as female members of political parties, representatives from national and international NGOs, and women activists gathered in Baghdad on 10-11 October 2004 to discuss women's rights and critical gender concerns in the new Iraqi political climate. Studies of the situation of Iraqi women conducted over the past two years on topics ranging from security to the eradication of poverty to women's political participation, informed the debate and served as a basis for participants to input experiences and perspectives into the draft National Strategy for the advancement of Iraqi women which is currently in development. For more information, contact Basma Alkhateeb, basma@unifem.org.jo

International Campaign to End Rape, Abduction, and Killing of Women in Iraq
Organization of Women’s Freedom, Iraqi Women’s Rights Coalition, et al.
2004
Since the takeover of the interim government in Iraq, women have been increasingly subjected to rape, death and restriction of movement. Women have no protection from both the authorities and their own families, as the most reactionary Islamic norms and values are being brought back into force in the society because of these political changes. Islamic groups are taking revenge on each other by raping women. Women cannot walk safely in the streets; they have been threatened by Islamic groups not to go to work or school unless they wear Hejab (veil). Raped women are being killed by their own families, to clear the “shame” being brought to their families’ “honour” due to the act of rape. Women are being shot dead because of their professions. To stop all these atrocities and crimes being committed against women, the Organization of Women’s Freedom and the Iraqi Women’s Rights Coalition, their newspapers (Equality, and Equal Rights Now!), and other activists are gathering to stop these violations of women’s rights. They are demanding that Paul Bremer, Civil Administrator in Iraq, enforce security and protection for women. As head of the Occupying Forces, they hold him responsible for these crimes against women in Iraq. We call upon all women’s rights organizations, human rights organizations, Members of Parliament of the European countries, trade unions, political parties, and individuals to raise their voices against these barbaric attacks. To sign the petition, please click here. To support this cause and/or to contact these organizations, please call Organization of Women’s Freedom representative abroad - Nadia Mahmood -Tel: 00447890065933; Iraqi Women’s Rights Coalition representative - Houzan Mahmoud -Tel: 00447956883001, or email iraqwrc@hotmail.com or equalrightsnow@hotmail.com

Stop Violence Against Sakar Ahmed
Organization of Woman’s Freedom of Iraq in Arbil (OWFI-ARBIL)
2004
Sakar Ahmed, the OWFI Arbil branch chairperson, has been subject to ceaseless death threats, physical violence and trauma since mid July 2004 because she continues her activities in defending women’s rights in Iraq in general and in Arbil specifically. She has been severely assaulted by her own brothers, Serdar and Dara, who attacked her at home where she lives with her mother and two sisters. The scars of physical violence are apparent on her. The OWFI, witnesses to the violence brought on by Sakar’s family to stop Sakar’s activities and to maintain reactionary anti-woman practices, are asking the government and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan to protect Sakar’s life. They hold the government of Democratic of Party Kurdistan and Nechervan Barazany, its President, responsible for Sakar’s and her mother’s and her sisters’ lives. They are urging the government to detain Serdar and Dara, who assaulted Sakar and to take this as an action of criminality. They hope that the public will understand that domestic violence against women cannot be a family business, domestic violence is a concern of the whole society. The community in Kurdistan, as any civilized community, should set its norms and take its measures to stop violence against women no matter what its reasons are. They are also urging pro-women organizations and human rights organizations to send support letters to press for stopping domestic violence, to back up a woman activist, and stand up for those women who silently suffer. A detailed plea by the organization and a list of suggested addresses to write to is available here (press release); please send a copy of your support letter to their email address as well.

Yanar Mohammed Death Threats
Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI)
Yanar Mohammed, the head of the Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), is a renowned activist, and highly regarded in the world today for her brave efforts in defending women's rights in Iraq. She and the OWFI have been at the forefront of raising Iraqi women's awareness of their rights, fighting for an egalitarian secular state and full equality for women, as well as advocating for the separation of religion from the state and educational system which is a precondition for guaranteeing women's rights in Iraq. Yanar has exposed the serious thr eat to women's lives and rights if Sharia is imposed and organised women and men in opposition to it. As a result, she has been threatened to death by the Army of Sahaba (Jaysh Al-Sahaba). To sign the petition that urges the USA government to provide her with full protection, click here: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/Yanar/petition.html.
Further, support OWFI’s International Campaign to End Rape, Abduction, and Killing of Women in Iraq, buy your Copies of Yanar Mohammed's speech "Women's Struggle for Freedom in Iraq" at Pace University in NYC. For more information on how to make a donation, click here or send an email.

Heartland of Iraq Women’s Conference
Women for a Free Iraq, 4-7 October 2003
The Heartland of Iraq's Women Conference, which was sponsored by US-AID and the Coalition Provisional Authority, took place at the University of Babylon in Hilla, 60 miles south of Baghdad. Over 150 women attended from the five south-central provinces of Babil, Karbala, Najaf, Diwaniya and Wasit, and included women who are engaged in the establishment of women's centers and organizations in these provinces.

Support the Women’s Shelter in Iraq
September 2003
The Organization of Women’s Freedom established a Women’s Shelter in Iraq to defend women’s rights and protect them against all kinds of degradation, abuse, and violence including the random killing of women. The Organization of Women’s Freedom calls individuals worldwide to support materially and morally the struggle in defense of women’s lives and rights in Iraq. For more information visit the Organization of Women’s Freedom.

First National Women’s Conference of Free Iraq
9 July 2003
More that 80 women from all over Iraq participate in the First National Women’s Conference of Free Iraq organized by the International Alliance for Justice on July, 9 2003 in Baghdad. The purpose of the conference was to bring together Iraqi women, who for the most stayed in Iraq under the dictatorship, women from the Diaspora informed of the international measures in favor of women's rights, and women from the three Kurdish governments who, for over ten years, were able to promote the participation of women in the emerging civil society. Diverse work groups discussed the status of women in the constitution, in the legislation, in the democratic process, in education, in the health system, the economy and social and cultural affairs. For more information visit the International Alliance for Justice.

Equality! Rights Now!
2003
The Defense of Iraqi Women’s Rights and the Independent Women’s Organization launched an independent newspaper, EQUALITY, to fight for the right of women to be included in the peace-building process and political debate regarding Iraq future. To read the press release and support the newspaper’s initiative click here. For more information visit the Defense of Iraqi Women’s Rights.

Women to Women
January 2003
Declaring its opposition to the war in Iraq, WILPF launched an initiative called “Women to Women.” The project involves a letter from women in the United States to the women of Iraq. With this project, WILPF pledge to work for a just and lasting peace with Iraq. WILPF collected thousands of signed letters presented publicly as part of its activities on the International Women’s Day, March 8, 2003. To read the press release click here. For more information visit Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

International

Global Call For Peace: Women Say No To War
2006, Women Say No To War, WomenSayNotoWar.org

WomenSayNOtoWar.Org is your opportunity to unite with international women everywhere and contribute towards the end of the illegal war in Iraq.

With the launch of Women Say No To War Campaign, we are asking women around the world to sign on to the Women’s Call for Peace. We hope to obtain a minimum of 100,000 signatures by International Women's Day on March 8, 2006, when US and Iraqi women will deliver these signatures to leaders in Washington DC and women around the world will deliver them to US embassies.

For more information, please click here

United for Peace and Justice: Iraq Campaign
2004
United for Peace and Justice opposes the occupation of Iraq and is working with our member groups to push the U.S. government to bring the troops home now. While we welcome the fall of the Hussein dictatorship, we now seek a genuinely liberated Iraq, one in which Iraqis, not the U.S. military, govern their own country and have control over its resources. Click Here for more information.

CODE PINK: Sign Petition for Iraqi Women
April 2004
Attached is a copy of a petition that is calling for supporting the rights of Iraqi women, who are facing tremendous violence and economic insecurity, and are being marginalized in the political process. With the US government scheduled to hand over political authority to Iraqis on June 30, Iraqi women are worried that their rights will be further undermined. Can we add your name to the list of endorsers for this petition? We will be delivering it to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan before the transition of power on June 30th. Please respond to Hana Newman. You can also direct interested parties the Code Pink Website.

TAKE ACTION: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN IRAQ
April 2004
Amnesty International is calling upon activists to unite against domestic violence in Iraq. For several decades, Iraqi women have been victims of
intolerable acts of torture such as rape, kidnapping, "honor killings," and forced prostitution. These crimes against humanity have risen dramatically since the 2003 US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq, which in turn has caused a weakening of Iraqi law enforcement and police supervision. Instead of increasing security measures for Iraqi citizens, law enforcement officials are turning a blind eye to blatant acts of violence against women and treating perpetrators of domestic violence with impunity. Click Here to Call on the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and the Iraqi Governing Council to put an end to violence against women.

An Urgent Petition to Protect Iraqi Women's Rights
March 2004
Iraqi women have been besieged by violence, unemployment and conservative forces that have undermined their position. The lack of security in Iraq and the increase in crimes like rapes, murders, and kidnappings have made many women afraid to leave their homes. Moreover, the high rate of unemployment - over 60% of the population - negatively affects many thousands of women who previously contributed to society through their work as doctors, lawyers, teachers, farmers, merchants, public sector employees, etc. Click Here to sign a petition addressed to Kofi Annan to protect Iraqi Women.

International Women’s Day
8 March 2004
Assert your solidarity with women in Iraq in their struggle to achieve: Egalitarian secular constitution; Law of Equality; Separation of religion from the state and education system; Full equality between women and men. Demonstration, and Solidarity Event with women in Iraq. The Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq - UK representative - is organizing a demonstration on 5th March 2004, and a solidarity event on 13th March 2004 to celebrate International Women’s Day which is 8th March, in solidarity with women in Iraq. It is also an event to protest against the Ruling Council in Iraq which has decided to change this day for women in Iraq, from 8th March to 18th August. Come along to celebrate with us and mark this day in solidarity with women in Iraq in their struggle for equality and liberation, and build bridges to our movement in Iraq, as part of a universal women’s movement for freedom, and liberty. Click Here for information on venues and description of events, or Visit Equality in Iraq.

Iraqi Activist Receives Death Threat
February 2004
Ms. Yanar Mohammed, founder of the Organization for Women’s Freedom in Iraq and Editor in Chief of the newspaper Al-Mousawat (Equality), received an e-mail threatening death if the activist continues her struggle against the US-appointed Iraqi Governing Council’s Resolution 137. Introduced by a group of reactionary clerics on the Governing Council, the Resolution imposes arbitrary interpretations of Islamic Law, curbing Iraqis' basic human rights, particularly those of women. To join in the campaign to ensure Ms. Mohammed's safety, Click Here to sign an open letter to Paul Bremer, Chief of the Coalition Provisional Authority. For more information on Resolution 137 visit Petition Online or Madre. Further inquires can be e-mailed to Houzan Mahmoud of the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq.

Iraq Solidarity Campaign UK
February 2004
The Coalition Against Sanctions and War on Iraq, has now formed in to the Iraq Solidarity Campaign UK. Feb. 18th: Depleted Uranium the affects; Past, Present and Future! Speaker from the Campaign Against Depleted Uranium. Time; 7-30pm. Venue, The Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester. For more information visit their website or send an e-mail

IRAQ AND UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1325: A LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER BLAIR
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, UK Section, 17 April 2003
The UK Section of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom sent a letter to Prime Minster Blair urging the implementation of Resolution 1325 in the post-war reconstruction of Iraq. This letter was adapted as a press release and circulated widely to the UK press.

Women's rights under Occupation
11 March, International Women's Week
Speaker from the Iraqi Women's League. Time: 7-30pm. Venue, The Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester. After March, all meetings will reside on the third Wednesday of the Month and will be held at the Friends Meeting House, Mount street, Manchester, UK. For More information visit Iraqi Women's League or for campaigning materials please write to the Iraq Solidarity Campaign, c/o Bridge 5 Mill, 22a Beswick Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 7HR, the UK. or call 0161 882 0188 / Mob: 07946 783 801 or send an e-mail

No War!
March 2003
Viva Rio called for a worldwide mobilization to protest against the war in Iraq under the slogans of No War!, No Terrorism! and No Power without Limits!. Click here to read the declaration. For more information visit Viva Rio.

Women for a Free Iraq Campaign
February 2003
Women for a Free Iraq aim to speak up about the suffering of Iraqi people under Saddam's brutal rule, and to gain support for the liberation of Iraq. They advocate for a free, pluralistic Iraq, based on equal rights, the rule of law and representative democracy. They compiled several stories of women victims of human rights violations as well as women leaders who protested against Saddam Hussein’s regime. For more information visit Women for a Free Iraq.

End the Occupation of Iraq - Bring the Troops Home Now
2003
End the War printed thousand of door hangers with the slogan “End the Occupation in Iraq – Bring the Troops Home Now” and distributed them among diverse organizations, communities and advocacy networks aiming to mobilize the American society against the war on Iraq. The campaign calls individuals to contact their representatives and urge them to sign either of the two bills passed in the House that would authorize investigations about the war in Iraq. The House Resolution 2625 would establish an independent commission, while the House Resolution 307 would create a House Select Committee to carry out the investigation. For more information visit The National Network To End the War in Iraq.

Every Child Has a Name
2003
MADRE launched the campaign “Every Child has a Name” to deliver emergency aid to Iraqi families and help people in the United States take action against the war on Iraq. Aiming to broaden their reach, among different activities, MADRE is organizing a nationwide speaking tour with women's human rights leaders from Pakistan, Jordan, Nicaragua and the US. For more information visit MADRE.

International Campaign to end Rape, Abduction, and killings of women in Iraq
2003
Women in Iraq are victims of daily violence. Raped women are being killed by their own families to clear the “shame” being brought to their families’ “honour” due to the act of rape. The perpetrators of such crimes are free. Also, Islamic groups are taking revenge on each other by raping and threatening women. To stop all these atrocities and crimes being committed against women, the Organization of Women’s Freedom and the Iraqi Women’s Rights Coalition, and other activists are gathering to stop these violations of women’s rights. They call all women’s rights organizations, human rights organizations, Members of Parliament of the European countries, trade unions, political parties, and individuals to raise their voices against these barbaric attacks. To sign the petition click here. For more information visit the Iraqi Women’s Rights Coalition.

An Appeal for Action on Behalf of Iraqi Women
Since 2000 Saddam Hussein’s regime launched a terror campaign against women in Iraq. Women suspected of begin hostile to the regime were decapitated, others were victims of rape, when not compelled to prostitute themselves to serve government officials. The International Alliance for Justice calls individuals worldwide to sign a petition to put to an end the repeated violations perpetrated against women, to support the families of those who have disappeared in their search for justice, and to request the establishment of a group of experts under the aegis of the Secretary General of the United Nations or of a Committee mandated by the Security Council of the United Nations to study the crimes perpetrated by the Iraqi Regime that fall into the category of crimes against humanity. To sign the petition click here. For more information visit the International Alliance for Justice.