WASHINGTON, DC — The liberation of both Iraq and Afghanistan raise important questions for women in these societies including: What can the U.S. do to ensure women in these countries enjoy basic rights? Topics such as this will be discussed as the Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) presents:


Women’s Liberation: Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran
Thursday, May 22, 2003
8:30-11:00 a.m.
National Press Club, 14th and F Sts., NW
Light refreshments will be served at 8:30
Program begins at 9:00 with Q&A to follow

Panelists include:


  • Paula Dobriansky, Undersecretary of State for Global Affairs

  • Rend Rahim Francke, Executive Director, Iraq Foundation

  • Mahnaz Afkhami, President, Women’s Learning Partnership

  • Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), Senate Foreign Relations Committee

    The panel, moderated by IWF Senior Fellow Melana Zyla Vickers, will explore such issues as:



    • What role should the U.S. play in the reconstruction of Iraq? Has the U.S. role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan been sufficient?

    • To what extent can the U.S. improve the position of women in these societies?

    • Can the U.S. assist women in Muslim societies without being accused of trampling their cultural and religious traditions?

    The Independent Women’s Forum, founded in 1992, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization.