Remarks at the Inclusive Security: Women Waging Peace Conference on Iraq
Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm

Amman, Jordan
December 14, 2023

It is a pleasure to be here with you in Amman this afternoon to address one of the most important topics facing Iraq, Jordan, and the entire region: how women can forge a strong and equal role in the development of their countries and societies, and how we all benefit when women play that equal role.

I want to thank Ambassador Swanee Hunt and the staff of Inclusive Security: Women Waging Peace for organizing this conference and providing a select group of Iraqi women a forum to share their skills, their expertise, and their hope. And I thank you all for inviting me—a mere man—to say a few short words of encouragement to this impressive group.

The United States and this administration are committed to improving the political, social, and economic standing of women in the Middle East and around the world. President Bush, in his November 6 speech on democracy in the Middle East, highlighted the need for women to join the process of democratization as full partners. He said:

Successful societies…recognize the rights of women. And instead of directing hatred and resentment against others, successful societies appeal to the hopes of their own people….

We believe that liberty is the design of nature; we believe that liberty is the direction of history. We believe that human fulfillment and excellence come in the responsible exercise of liberty. And we believe that freedom—the freedom we prize—is not for us alone, it is the right and the capacity of all mankind.

Secretary of State Colin Powell stated earlier this year that

Assistance to women’s organization and ministries of women’s affairs is a crucial part of our post-conflict promotion of civil society, representative government, and wise economic management. Women also contribute to the prevention of conflict in the first place by helping to create the conditions that are stabilizing over the long term.

Many countries in the Middle East are beginning to catch on to this theme. Here in Jordan, His Majesty King Abdullah has been a leading proponent of the empowerment of women. He told the Jordanian Parliament earlier this month that he has a vision of a Jordan where all elements of society—particularly women—play a strong role. In His Majesty’s words:

Women should be provided with all the necessary capabilities and due rights in order to ensure their full participation in political, economic, and social life.

And Jordan’s commitment to women’s rights is not just rhetoric. The Jordanian government contains three women ministers, and the King just appointed seven women to the upper house of Parliament.

Her Majesty Queen Rania has begun several initiatives to bring full legal rights to Jordanian women. The internationally recognized Family Protection Center is one of Queen Rania’s important contributions in this area.

In addition, there are numerous Jordanian non-governmental organizations and very impressive women activists teaching poor and rural women their legal rights, helping protect them from abuse, and educating society on the need for women to become full partners in Jordan’s future. There are many good examples here of women who have not been content to accept the status quo.

But that kind of strength, purpose, and dedication is nothing new to you here today. I am confident you will use your skills, your ideas, and your energy to promote the role and equality of women in Iraq.

Why does the United States care? Because it is right. Because it reflects our values. But also for a very practical reason. For, as Secretary Powell notes, the evidence suggests that when women take an equal role in politics and civil society, the forces of moderation and conflict resolution are immeasurably strengthened.

And that is why I am very pleased to be here with you today. And why I look forward to seeing you take your place beside your brothers in building a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Iraq for the future.

Thank you again for letting me speak to you today.

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