ONLINE DISCUSSION: Women as a Barometer of Success and Stability? Sharing 'Lessons Learned' from Iraq to Afghanistan

Webcast: You may participate in this event in two ways. You can register to attend the event, or you may watch the live webcast beginning at 11:00am EDT on September 27, 2010 at www.usip.org/webcast

How do we know we are on track when it comes to post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction? How do we know that our military, diplomatic and development efforts are working? These experts believe that one key indicator when gauging success is women's participation and access to the political, economic and social arenas.

This moderated discussion will feature Isobel Coleman, senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. Coleman will discuss her recent book, "Paradise Beneath Her Feet", which paints a vivid picture of the status of women's rights in the Middle East and highlights the transformative role women are playing in the region.

Also joining the panel is Manal Omar, director of Iraq Programs at USIP and author of the recent "Barefoot in Baghdad", which details Omar's experiences as an American aid worker of Arab descent working in Iraq. Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, journalist and deputy director of the Women and Foreign Policy Program at the Council on Foreign Relations will moderate the event with an eye on lessons learned for and from Afghanistan. She is author of the upcoming book, "The Dressmaker of Khair Khana", which tells the story of a young Afghan entrepreneur whose business created jobs and hope for her community during the Taliban years.

Speakers

Isobel Coleman
Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy
Council on Foreign Relations

Manal Omar
Director of Iraq Programs
U.S. Institute of Peace

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, Moderator
Deputy Director of the Women and Foreign Policy Program
Council on Foreign Relations

Kathleen Kuehnast, Welcome and Introductions
Gender Adviser, Gender and Peacebuilding Initiative
U.S. Institute of Peace