More Women Learners

Today I went to another session of the Women's Inclusion Program. I recently wrote a summary document for the program, which was circulated to someone on Mercy Corps' web team; they contacted me to ask if I would be able to collect some stories from individual women in the program for use on the web, which I was more than happy to do. So I set out to do a few interviews.

I met with three women - one age 17, one 36, and one 60. Their stories were amazing. I'll wait to see what gets up on the Mercy Corps website and post a link here when/if they're available so everyone can read them officially.

When my interviews were done, my Iraqi colleague asked if I would address the class. It was their final session of the 18-month program, and I was glad to offer congratulations. I thanked them, on behalf of Mercy Corps, for their hard work, as we recognize the many obstacles they have faced in their 18 months of learning. I told them how proud we are of their accomplishments, how inspired we are by their courage. I let them know I was there to share their success story with the world, and that people in many countries are watching, full of hope that they will use their knowledge to help create a new Iraq. They watched and listened with such austerity and pride, and immediately applauded when I was done speaking. They all rose and demanded to take a photo together, which I was happy to do. After several pictures, they all took turns hugging and kissing me. "I love you! I love you! I love you!" one young woman, about my age, whispered in my ear as she kissed my cheek. My heart could not have been more overwhelmed with pride and love for these incredible woman. I will cherish this photo always.