A letter from Dalia at Friends of Democracy reports the success of the first in a series of workshops to be held throughout all Iraq’s provinces. By supporting the efforts of Friends of Democracy, Spirit of America extends the goodwill of the American people to assist the women advancing freedom, democracy and peace in Iraq.

raqi women are at best the last to begin to see the joys and freedoms of democracy. Yet even still, there is a beacon of hope and change that Spirit of America donors keep alive through their support of the Friends of Democracy women’s workshops. We at Spirit of America believe their endeavors to train the women of Iraq to use the Internet and Arabic blogging will allow the women of Iraq to come together as a community with a united voice. To these brave women who are fighting for their right to be heard, we salute you. To Friends of Democracy, we are honored to support your endeavors with these workshops. Your success will extend the hand of freedom to the women of Iraq so that they too will know that they are not alone. To Spirit of America donors and supporters, thank you.

This letter from Dalia at Friends of Democracy reports the success of the first in a series of workshops to be held throughout all Iraq’s provinces. By supporting the efforts of Friends of Democracy, Spirit of America extends the goodwill of the American people to assist the women advancing freedom, democracy and peace in Iraq.

Dear all,

We're extremely delighted to see what we have started in Amman become a reality on the ground here in Iraq.

We have started launching a series of workshops to train women of different NGOs how to use the internet and to introduce Arabic blogging to them through using the tool we had developed with most appreciated help from the Spirit of America NGO which is also sponsoring the lectures we're holding.

During the coming few months, we hope to include women from all Iraq's provinces with these trainings to offer women the chance to say their word and express their opinions regarding the important issues that will decide Iraq's future in general and their future in particular.

This would have never happened without the good will and support of our friends, especially Spirit of America and the Foundation to Defense of Democracies which has been really helpful in facilitating communication with other women NGOs here.

We have posted a report about the 1st lecture which was held in Samawa city. There are a few pictures of the lecture too and you're invited to visit our website and take a look when you have the time.

We highly appreciate your support and we welcome your suggestions and ideas about this project.

Best Regards Dalia http//:friendsofdemocracy.org

An excerpt from the Friends of Democracy web site. www.friendsofdemocracy.org

The woman Her voice will not keep being low. In new Iraq she's with the man exerting efforts to uplift marginalization and unfairness. She is a major element, she is a friend of democracy. Our hearts become happier when we see the Iraqi women participate in building up and raising foundations. She is the minister, deputy, teacher and the doctor. She plants the farm she raises the generation. We work together with many women organizations to spread out election and democracy culture to the Iraqi woman.