Rethinking Iraq: Visions of Women in Iraq

Iraqi women have often been hailed models for advancement and equality in
the Arab and Muslim worlds. The interim constitution has sought to codify
their role, reserving 25% of the representation in the National Assembly is for women. Will the new constitution enhance the status of women, and does
the new government adequately take women's concerns into account? Is there a risk of future backlash now that their role is enshrined? Anita Sharma,
director of the Conflict Prevention Project at the Woodrow Wilson
International Center for Scholars, and Tanya Gilly, of the advocacy group
Women for a Free Iraq, will examine the future of women in Iraq. After
carefully describing the current situation, the two will suggest ways to
facilitate the integration of Iraqi women into the political, economic and
social spheres of Iraqi life.