Iraqi Women Organize Campaign to Stop Violence

August 19, 2004

Over 16,000 Iraqi women signed petitions to support the “Stop the Violence, Now” campaign organized by a network of 36 women’s organizations facilitated by IRI. Signatures were gathered in more than ten cities, including Fallujah and Najaf. Many of the signatures were gathered through door-to-door petitioning to build grassroots support for the campaign.

The petitions were presented at a press conference where the organization outlined a suggested concrete plan for Iraqi authorities, Multi-National Force (MNF) officials and Iraqi Electoral Commission officials to end the violence plaguing Iraq and ensure free and fair elections. More than 20 media representatives attended the event, which was covered by local radio and newspapers.

The network of women’s organizations has been working to inform Iraqi women about the consequences of violence and the need for democratic elections. The network has reached women from a cross-section of religious, ethnic and social economic backgrounds.

The women’s network will organize visits to Iraqi and MNF officials to speak on behalf of Iraqi women and present the proposed initiative to stop violence and ensure free elections. They will then publicize the results of the meetings through press releases or joint statements with officials.

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