22. Mr. Michael Jabez FosterTo ask the Minister for Women, what action she is taking to ensure that Iraqi women are fully involved in all plans for the(a) reconstruction and (b) Government of Iraq. [136672]
§ Mr. John SmithTo ask the Minister for Women what steps she is taking to ensure that Iraqi women play a part in the leadership of Iraq. [136668]
§ Ms HewittTwo weeks ago I met Dr. Raja Khuzaai, one of the two female members of the Iraqi Governing Council. In July I met the US Special Envoy, Amb. Bremer, in Baghdad. I impressed on him the importance of women's full involvement in the emerging political structures—this includes the Constitutional reform process.
I have pledged my full support for the establishment of an Iraqi Women's Higher Council—a non-governmental advisory body on women's issues.