Violence in Iraq has significantly declined since General Petraeus' troop surge deployed in 2007. Nevertheless, challenges remain especially for the women of Iraq, whose lives have been significantly altered during the course of the war. A significant number are now widowed, unemployed, lack basic services, and struggle to provide for their families. In spite of these challenges, they also have demonstrated remarkable tenacity and have become active in local and national government as well as civil society.

Because the daily struggles and victories alike of women are often over shadowed in the mainstream media by more dramatic accounts of the war, this discussion will focus on what transition from war to post-conflict for women in Iraq entails and some of the success stories underway.

Join us as three prominent civil society leaders discuss the current situation for women in Iraq.

Presenters

• Zainab Al-Suwaij
  Executive Director, American Islamic Congress
• Selwa Gailani Kanna
  Chief Operating Officer, Iraq Foundation
• Manal Omar
  Iraq Program Officer, Grants Program, U.S. Institute of Peace
• Ambassador Steven Steiner, Moderator
  Senior Advisor, Office of Global Women's Issues, U.S. Department of State