New Horizons for Women and Youth ~ North America is an Iraqi-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Iraqi women as leaders of the new Iraq. The core values of the organization are integrity, civility and responsibility.
Ms. Naba Hameed - an Iraqi scientist, educator, trainer and feminist activist, founded the group in 2003. Through her community outreach and work with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that assist women, Hameed identified the need for women to be more actively involved at the leadership level in helping to create a more just and civil society for Iraq. The first step, Hameed believed, would be to better educate Iraqi women about women's rights and the political process.
New Horizons for Women and Youth ~ North America was created to provide training for women leaders of NGOs and other members of the civil society who will, in turn, educate and support the women in their own organizations, offices, schools and locales. Its training programs educate Iraqi women about important international agreements developed through the United Nations such as human rights and women's rights resolutions and conventions. Additionally, women receive training in the democratic principles associated with fair elections, campaigns, and governance. Women who go through the training programs also gain the skills necessary to educate those with whom they interact and serve
As the founder of New Horizons for Women and Youth ~ North America, Hameed believes knowledge alone is not sufficient. She notes that education must concern itself with the total person. With this in mind, Hameed believes high school and university students are the building blocks of the new Iraq. They must be prepared for fulfilling lives and careers, which, in turn, will build a strong, optimistic, educated generation of new leaders. Through training and the support of New Horizons for Women and Youth ~ North America, Hameed hopes Iraqi women will be empowered to significantly contribute to the future success of their nation.
New Horizons for Women and Youth ~ North America is a member of the Iraqi Women's Network, an umbrella organization for some 80 nongovernmental organizations that assist women. Also, it is closely allied with: Independent Iraqi Women's Group, AIAmal, AIGinna, Nahat AIMaraa as well as several human rights organizations. The organization maintains a close working relationship with the US Institute of Peace and collaborates on a workshop series with John's Hopkins University.
Project Website: www.headwatersproductions.com
Project Director: Sharon
Simone
Website
Credits
Modified: 2006-06-04