Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20081121-14
Nov. 21, 2008

Sustainers hold Iraqi women’s business workshop

CAMP MITTICA, Iraq – Nearly 40 local Iraqi business women gathered at Camp Mittica, Iraq, Nov. 17, as part of an Iraqi women’s business workshop orchestrated by the 7th Sustainment Brigade.

“This was a combined effort with Muthanna and Dhi Qar provincial reconstruction teams and the 7th Sustainment Brigade,” said Maj. Shawn D. Sanborn, finance operations, 7th Sust. Bde. “We’ve been having these workshops with men so we knew it was important to get women involved.”

Speakers for the workshop included members of the 7th Sust. Bde., the 217th Garrison Command, the Small Business Development Center for Nasiriyah and one of the Iraqi business women who attended the workshop. The speakers covered topics on business including the Iraqi Based Industrial Zone, micro grants, loans and how to create a business plan.

“It was a very good class with useful material,” said Batel Abuol Almer, chief engineer, attendee and speaker.“Today’s workshop really uncovered a lot of information and showed me how much interest they [Iraqi business women] have,” said Alison Kosnett, governance specialist, Provincial Reconstruction Team Muthanna. “It showed us that they’re serious and energetic and that there is entrepreneurial energy.”

There was a feeling of unity and progress that that fueled the workshop’s success. 
“The meeting went so well because everyone gave their opinion and participated,” said Nabeel Alsaffy, executive director of the Small Business Development Center of Nasiriyah. “The women want another workshop.”

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