BAGHDAD - Thirty-nine women from the Iraqi Ministries of Defense and Interior attended a women's issues conference here, Nov. 19, the first time an Iraqi woman moderated such an event.

Ms. Iman Najid, director of Human Rights for the MoD, led the discussion about the struggles of Iraqi women who are still striving for equal treatment.

"The purpose of this conference is to show how Iraqi women are participating in the Ministry of Defense," said Najid.

Five Iraqi female leaders spoke about their experiences and struggles as a means to encourage and inspire the attendees. Dr. (Maj.) Noor Lath Saaed Al Berakhdar, inspector general, MoD, highlighted the importance of mentorship.

"Mentorship starts with the family," she said. "When you are a little child, your parents are role models." Berakhdar went on to challenge the other women, adding, "[You] must work for it. Have the ambition. Do whatever it takes."

Female military representatives from Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq (MNSTC-I) attended in support of the conference and listened to the Iraqi women's issues and concerns. The four-hour session ended with a gift exchange between the U.S. and Iraqi women.

U.S. Army Maj. Tiffany Carr, chief, School of the Advisor, MNSTC-I, said, "I think the conference was outstanding. It was the first time they coordinated their own conference. They discussed the issues currently facing them and came up with solutions together."