Women's Radio Station in Baghdad.

The Voice of Women Radio Station in Baghdad, Iraq (Radio Almahaba) is the first independent, non-governmental, non-religious media forum addressing women's rights and issues.  The quickest, most effective way to educate or influence the masses is through media outlets, especially radio which has the potential to reach millions in a matter of seconds.  Such a force is needed to empower Iraqi women to participate in advocacy for their rights and the electoral process.  Funds are needed to replace the radio transmitter which was damaged in the recent bombing of the Palestine Hotel.  Support is also needed on an on-going basis to keep the station up and running until it is self-sustaining through advertising revenue.

DJ at Radio Almahaba

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Iraq is in a critical period of transition.

For more than 40 years, physical threats, psychological warfare and killings silenced women economically, politically and socially.  Iraqi women have an oppotrunity to break this imposed silence and establish a new role in the molding of Iraq's civil society.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Radio Almahaba began broadcasting in March 2005 as the first independent women's radio station in Iraq.  It is non-governmental, non-religious and non-ethnic.  Like Oprah in America, Radio Almahaba's broadcasters have a powerful ability to promote open discussion and, in turn, create change.  They are pioneers in Iraq, broaching a range of subjects from raising children to voting in Iraq's new elections.  And Iraqi listeners are responding -- calling in to publicly contribute their ideas to the ongoing, open dialogue maintained by Radio Almahaba.  In contrast to decades of imposed silence and oppression, this dialogue is a significant step and opportunity for freedom.

As a result of war-related violence, women make up well over 60% of Iraq's population.  With only 24% of women literate, the radio is the most effective medium through which Iraq's silent majority can find their voice.  Radio Almahaba leads the way for women, in particular a new generation of young women, to think new thoughts, to have new dreams and to take action for themselves, their families and Iraqi society.

We cannot expect the freedoms of Iraqi women to grow overnight in infertile soil.  But, we must not stand by and watch Iraqi women be forced back into silence.  Please help break a brutal history of silence by supporting Radio Almahaba with your donations and allow the voice of women to be heard in Iraq.

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