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Center Prepares for Reconstruction and Expansion

Jul- 6-2006 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

Written by Staff Sgt. Brian Speech

Mosul, Iraq (June 29, 2006) -- The women of the United States appreciate and understand what freedom is and the struggles involved to gain equality. The women of Iraq have embarked on that same journey for freedom and equal rights.

In a combined effort the Provincial Reconstruction Team and the 172nd Brigade Support Battalion have started the reconstruction of the Women’s Center in Mosul, Iraq.

Under the direction of Anan Lbraham-Al Qado, the head of the Iraqi Women’s Center, and Kawthar Mustafa, the elected chief of Ninewa Provincial Council Committee of Human Rights, the women of Iraq have laid out the needs for the Women’s Center

“The center not only provides day care for impoverished or working women, it also provides limited educational and exercise classes along with a socialization and a freedom area for women,” said Anan.

Anan currently pays for some of the operating expenses out of her pocket, to include electric and maintenance bills. The women are working closely with the PRT to secure funding from Coalition Forces to repair and expand the center. This in turn will increase the usage and programs available to women in Iraq.
“By increasing the programs and membership to the center we are hoping that the provincial government will lend financial aid to the center to allow us to provide salaries to those who volunteer to run and maintain the center,” said Kawthar.

The 172nd Brigade Support Commanders Emergency Response Program funding will provide enough financial support to complete the repairs and expansion of the center. The 172nd BSB is also securing donations of quality clothing and shoes and there are plans to make part of the center a controlled distribution point for the impoverished.

“This step will be vital in enabling women to gain self esteem and understand freedom,” said Kawthar. “They have to fight for their rights and freedom.”


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