Reply #51: Resolution 137

[Columbia]

Constitution Marks New Start for Iraqi Women, Minister Says

http://www.noticias.info/Asp/aspComunicados.asp?nid=20108&src=0

The signing of an Iraqi interim constitution March 8 marks the beginning of a new role for women in the country, according to the only woman member of Iraq's cabinet.

Nasreen Barwari, speaking the same day at a panel discussion, titled "The Role of Women In The Emerging Government and Society of Iraq," honoring International Women's Day in Washington, said the constitution guarantees a "more inclusive system" for women. Iraqi women's task now is to network with each other in order to build strength needed to achieve and sustain equality in national and local decision-making, she said.

Women already have influenced decisions related to the Iraqi Governing Council's Resolution 137, which would have moved family and personal law matters from civil administration to clerical administration under Sharia law, Barwari said. This resolution was retracted under tremendous pressure from women's groups.