Iraq: Advancing Healing and Growth

Healing Through Connection and Economic Empowerment

Grief stemming from traumatic death transcends political boundaries and military objectives. Those killed in Iraq, whether American or Iraqi, leave behind family members, tribal relatives, and friends who love them dearly and miss them terribly. The lives of the survivors must be rebuilt around an unexpected and unwanted void. The pain of their grief is the same, because it is the result of loving so much. TAPS understands the pain of losing a loved one in conflict, but also acknowledges the complex barriers faced by those in Iraq. Beyond needing emotional support, widows face the struggle of providing financially for their families. TAPS programs will bring both comfort and healing, as well as providing training and skills necessary to economically sustain their families.

Anecdotes abound which affirm that Iraqi women are prepared to engage in dialog with their American counterparts. One American mother recently told an Iraqi mother: "Our son gave his life for the freedom of your country; we now pray every day for people of Iraq." Ironically, those American families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice are among the most committed to building a free and stable Iraq. An Iraqi mother, whose son was killed in a terrorist car bombing while on his way to join the Iraqi Army, sends this message to her American counterparts: "I would like to say to all Americans who have lost their sons by terrorism, I am sorry. I feel their sadness because I hold the same sadness in my heart." The connections between the Iraqi and American women exist; building upon these links will foster healing for both the women and their respective countries. TAPS model of peer-based emotional support between survivors will extend to Iraq, bringing both Iraqi widows together for healing, as well as American and Iraqi families who both have suffered a loss.

Beyond their struggle with grief and loss, an immense barrier to women’s participation in the business sector is a lack of information about lending options, loan requirements, and a lack of access to credit. Women in Iraq are without education and skills that would enable them to enter into private sector enterprises. TAPS proposes to offer microbusiness opportunities for Iraqi women with a focus upon widows and concurrent family-oriented programs for orphaned or fatherless children in partnership with our IRAQI and US NGO Partners. The project would train disadvantaged Iraqi widows on a set of skills that will empower them politically, and increase their economic independence.

TAPS has staff in Washington, DC and now in Baghdad, Iraq who are lovingly bringing comfort to those who have suffered a loss and empower them through economic opportunities. Through TAPS’ proven business model, programs and documented processes, Iraqi and American families will build a foundation for healing and the establishment of a stable society.