Written question asked by John P Smith (Labour) on Monday, 3 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 November 2003. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Thursday, 6 November 2003 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry;Minister for Women

Question: To ask the Minister for Women, what steps she is taking to ensure that Iraqi women play a part in the leadership of Iraq.

Answer: Mr. Michael Jabez Foster: To 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 Smith: To 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 Hewitt: Two 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.

Secondary information