Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
May 2, 2005
By Brady WilliamsonA member of the Iraqi National Assembly died Wednesday, assassinated in a Baghdad neighborhood, after the legislative session ended for the day. The victim was a woman, one of more than 85 elected to the 275-member assembly on Jan. 30. She answered the doorbell and met insurgent gunfire.
As Iraq tries to make the difficult transition from dictatorship to constitutional democracy, this tragedy provides a reminder, however stark, of the more visible role that women are beginning to play in public life.
They are not only giving voice to interests such as the cause of women's rights but are preparing to directly influence the debate on overriding national issues such as federalism, sharing oil resources and the economy.
In Baghdad today, female legislators and leaders in civic organizations are meeting with each other and, with the help of several international groups, developing practical skills to help shape the constitution and laws for their country.
They are not just attending the legislative sessions held in a cavernous convention center in the Green Zone; they are taking the time to learn about lawmaking, advocacy and the significance of building coalitions in a country where women have long been ignored.
In short, they are beginning to think like politicians.
The women in the National Assembly are Kurds, Shiites, Sunnis and Christian. They are, in American political terms, conservative, moderate and liberal - representing every conceivable viewpoint and region.
Some believe Islam should play no role in the constitution and the business of government. Some believe Islam should be the state religion, dominating every aspect of the country's legal and governmental fabric. Some are searching for a middle ground.
Like much in politics, appearances can be deceiving. Among the most articulate women are those who wear the black hijab and gloves, cloaked in the abaya. Yet their political perspective cannot be stereotyped. Nor does "modern" dress guarantee an unconditional equal rights agenda.
The women debate inheritance laws, freedom of movement, freedom from abuse, the rules for marriage, divorce and custody and the role of religion.
What they do not debate is their right to be heard, to vote, to be elected to office and to help lead the political process.
At least seven women will be serving in the cabinet that was announced on Thursday.
The influence of women as advocates for progressive government as well as for women's rights is not limited to the assembly or the cabinet.
Throughout the country, women are raising their voices for themselves, their families and the future of their communities.
Daily, some of them are paying a price for that voice, in ways large and small that generally have gone unnoticed.
In Iraq today, the success of women in the political process will be measured in the constitution and laws the country adopts and in the leadership positions women hold.
Sadly, it also will be measured in blood. Lamia Abed Khadouri was the first assembly member to die. Hopefully, she will be the last, but in Iraq, there are no guarantees.
Brady Williamson, a Madison attorney who has handled First Amendment issues for the Journal Sentinel and other news media, is observing the Iraqi constitutional process through a non-profit organization under a grant from the U.S. government.