Iraqi women demand 40% of the seats of the new authority

Small groups of Iraqi women demonstrated yesterday in the streets of cities demanding that 40% of the seats in the new authority to be dedicated to them in being constituting more than half of the population.

A new administration will rule Iraq after June 30. The Interim Governing Council includes three women out of 25 members. Hana Addour the secretary general of al-Amal society who coordinates the demonstrations said " we consider this is a very important matter."

She added during a demonstration in Baghdad including 40 women that " it is ripe time that Iraqi women will be represented in the democratic process. " Addour whose society includes 80 women groups explained "we should get a confirmation that the state's administration law should ensure a rate of no less than 40% for women in all decision making centers." She continued she does not know the number of demonstrations in other cities but she is sure that they are organized in 10 out of 18 governorates.

In al-Fadrous square, women gathered carrying banners defending their rights. Female students Suha Yaqoub ( 20 year old) said " we want our rights because we are the majority, that we have not yet made use of."