Gifts
Awatif Khalil works as the WAI Program Focal Point for Mercy Corps Iraq.
Location:
Basra, Basra, Iraq
Why I support Mercy Corps:
to change the world for better place
I am passionate about the following issues:
women
Recent Posts
Iraq April 21, 2011 9:49AM
Two Iraqi women, determined to succeed
Awatif Khalil
WAI Program Focal Point, Iraq
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Graduates of Mercy Corps' literacy program in Basra, Iraq, proudly holding their certificates. Photo: Awatif Khalil/Mercy Corps
Before I started working with Mercy Corps' Women’s Awareness and Inclusion (WAI) program, I was working with another non-governmental organization on land mine awareness and education. Since joining Mercy Corps, I've had more of a chance to visit and learn more about southern Iraq's rural communities — and the women who live there.
My work with WAI has showed me how much women suffer to get their basic rights, opportunities and break the chains of the old traditions. The program teaches women how to read and write, which gives them the confidence to stand up for themselves and claim what is rightfully theirs. Over the last four years, 3,164 women from the city of Basra have graduated from the program — overall, more than 25,000 women from across southern Iraq have participated.
One of them is 34-year-old Ahlam.
