Strong women build strong nationsSupporting the Iraqi First Program

For a better future

Azza Humadi, Women’s Programs Project Manager, Stanley Baker Hill

Establish and Operate an Iraqi Women-owned Business Database to promote and facilitate participation of these businesses in the Iraq Reconstruction. This system will be transitioned to an appropriate Iraqi government Agency or NGO on completion of the project.

Establish and operate an Iraqi Women’s Employment Database and promote the employment of qualified women at all levels (administrative, support, professional, and management). This system will be transitioned to an appropriate Iraqi Government Agency or NGO on completion of the project

Ensure that women have equal opportunity for the jobs and contracts created as an outcome of the reconstruction process by sponsoring a series of training conferences which would outline the requirements and the process to bid for and win contracts in various IRRF rehabilitation and reconstruction projects.

Establish working relationships with women’s organizations, professional associations, universities, technical schools, NGOs, and other donor agencies working for women’s empowerment.

Promote and facilitate the selection of Iraqi women owned businesses as IRRF sub-contractors

Since June 2006, we work closely with the JCC-I/A on supporting the Iraqi First Program.

Hiring Iraqi Women Owned Business to be part of the reconstruction process. Bidding Seminars, workshops, vendor trainings, on how to search solicitations, fill applications and submit

proposal and hopefully, win contracts. Meetings with Iraqi and American contractors to open new opportunities for Iraqi business women. Establishing a Database - Women Owned Businesses today we have 300 women owned businesses in our

database. Iraqi Women’s Associations – Working on submitting grants and loans in order to train other women. Contracting Outreach Initiatives, organizing Conferences to enable both sides to meet and network. Over 10

successful conferences since April 05 till present.

Women’s Initiative Program

Iraqi Woman Contractor Baghdad Central Railway Iraqi Woman Contractor Baghdad Central Railway Station, Dec 05Station, Dec 05

Inaugurated 31 December 2005 Al Munshed, Al- Arabi

Construction Co. Project Cost: $6,384,539

Iraqi Woman-Owned Construction Business Completes Rehabilitation of Central Railway Station

Good News Story of Iraqi Women Owned Business

Achievements 2005

Number of contracts awarded to woman's since the program started over 70 Total Number of Dollars over $40M Total Number of woman in our database 200

• 3 huge Successful Conferences – Two for women and one for Business Community – at the Convention Center

• 3 Round Tables meeting at the Convention Center with Business Women and American Contractors

• Ministry of Women Conference – Ms. Humadi spoke at the conference, about the GRD Women’s program

• Water Sector Round Tables meeting

• Participated with IRMO Trade and sent 60 women to Jordan for an Accounting Course

• Weekly meetings with Iraqi Women owned business as individuals and groups

Over 300 attendees, more than 25 American Contractors, as well as many Iraqi Business Men & Women, Media Channel and Pentagon AFN Channel 20 contracts were awarded to 6 Iraqi women Owned Business in the amount of $5.36M One women won 4 contracts D-Jerusalem at the amount of $4.55M

4 Nov 06 Contracting & Networking Opportunities Day Al Rasheed Hotel

Sponsored by KBR

Achievements 2006

Number of contracts awarded to women since the program started 450 Total Number of Dollars $200 M Total Number of woman in our database 370

• Participated in the USIP conference, Empowerment Of Women with Karen Aguilera, in Washington

• Assisted the Roundtable press conference for Capacity Development

• Two workshop with the WB and US Embassy, at the Ministry of Planning for Micro Credit Loans

• Vendors Seminar at the Electricity Sector – JCC-I/A

• Women's Seminar, for Business Opportunities - 50 women attended

• Two Business Opportunities meeting that took place successfully at AL Rasheed hotel

• SAME (Society of American Military Engineer’s) Conference – Capacity Development Event

• Conference GRD/PCO, JCC-I/A and KBR - over 300 attendees, 25 American Corporations and a great women’s participation+ 13 Media and Pentagon, AFN media

24 Feb 07 Capacity Development / Baghdad Job Fair

Sponsored by Stanley Baker Hill

Providing steady jobs to Iraqis500 attendees14 companies, including Iraqi firms, interviewingIn cooperation with;

•PRT Econ•National Iraqi American Assistance Center•GRD women’s program

The message is clear, Iraqis are insisting to work and support the American efforts in Iraq!

Awards for Women owned Iraqi businesses 2007

35 Contracts awarded to women in the amount of $1.43M Jan 07

44 Contracts awarded to women in the amount of $12.7M Feb 07

60 Contracts awarded to women in the amount of $3.4M Mar 07

65 Contracts awarded to women in the amount of $4.9M Apr 07

64 Contracts awarded to women in the amount of $6.1M May 07

79 Contracts awarded to women in the amount of $5.3M Jun 07

61 Contracts awarded to women in the amount of $4.4M Jul 07

Achievements 2006

Number of contracts awarded to women since the program started 450 Total Number of Dollars $200 M Total Number of woman in our database 370

• Participated in the USIP conference, Empowerment Of Women with Karen Aguilera, in Washington

• Assisted the Roundtable press conference for Capacity Development

• Two workshop with the WB and US Embassy, at the Ministry of Planning for Micro Credit Loans

• Vendors Seminar at the Electricity Sector – JCC-I/A

• Women's Seminar, for Business Opportunities - 50 women attended

• Two Business Opportunities meeting that took place successfully at AL Rasheed hotel

• SAME (Society of American Military Engineer’s) Conference – Capacity Development Event

• Conference GRD/PCO, JCC-I/A and KBR - over 300 attendees, 25 American Corporations and a great women’s participation+ 13 Media and Pentagon, AFN media

Security concerns. Lack of Opportunities from both the public and the private sector. Rural mind set is not progressive to accept women doing business. Communications, mobile and emails.

Challenges:Challenges:

Building Capacity with the Iraqi Government by implementing a women trainees percentages in any development program.

By promoting educational programs citing the importance and the value of women’s productivity as half of the society.

Way Forward:Way Forward: