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by Polly Mann, W A M M
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AIraq’s State Minister for Women’s Affairs, Nawal al-Samarraie, recently resigned her post because the budget she was provided has been so severely slashed—from $7,500 to $1,500 per month—that she was unable to provide services to tens of thousands of needy Iraqi women. An untold number have lost their husbands or other male relatives to violence or detention since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.
Today, according to government estimates, there are 3 million widows in Iraq, most of whom are uneducated with children and virtually no safety net or job opportunities. Traditionally, widows in Iraq move in with their extended families, but with the overwhelming disruption of society, this has become increasingly difficult if not impossible for many.
Al-Samarraie, a 47-year old gynecologist and mother of five, said matters in the Women’s Ministry went downhill shortly after she assumed her post on July 22nd. She had previously served on the Iraqi parliament‘s health committee and had hoped to help Iraqi women who are enduring great hardships after nearly six years of war.
Other Iraqi ministries have experienced similar budget cuts but al-Samarraie insisted women should be given priority because the war has brought so much privation and suffering on them and their children. She is planning a trip to Turkey to attend an international conference on Iraqi women and after that would consider pleas from many to reconsider her resignation.
Source: Kim Gamel, Associated Press, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009. |
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© 2009 Women Against Military Madness. All rights reserved.
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Complete March 2009 Index - click here
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