To ask the Minister for Women what action she is taking to promote the role of women in the governance of Iraq. [116565]

I am working with other colleagues to support Iraqi women in playing a full role in rebuilding the governing of their country. I am hosting meetings with a representative group of Iraqi women exiles, and last week 40 Iraqi women had a meeting in Baghdad with Ambassador Bremer and John Sawer, the UK Special Representative for Iraq.The meeting was also attended b y my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) who is now of course my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's special representative on Human Rights in Iraq.