| July 19, 2006 |
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth) today co-sponsored House Resolution 784, which commends the efforts of Iraq’s first and only radio station for women, Al-Mahaba.
“The creation of Iraq’s all-women radio station, Al-Mahaba, is a very positive development. It’s crucial that women have a strong voice in Iraqi society, especially as Iraqis form a democracy. Radio Al-Mahaba provides women with a vehicle to have that voice,” said Granger. “Al-Mahaba is a great example of the courage of Iraqi Women.”
Radio Al-Mahaba first went on the air on April 1, 2005. The station is an educational tool for women, broadcasting in three different languages and giving women freedom to voice their opinions and hear other opinions. The programming is dedicated to women’s rights and issues, such as: parenting, healthcare, relationships and other social topics. Articles about Radio Al-Mahaba have appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune and USA Today.
A spokeswoman for Al-Mahaba said more and more Iraqi women are calling into the station, which is a sign that democracy is working in Iraq. She said the station eventually hopes to broadcast into Iran in order to let Iranian women know that freedom can be achieved but only if they stand up for their rights.
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) was the original sponsor of the resolution. Original co-sponsors include: Reps. Tom Osborne (R-NE), Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), Hilda Solis (D-CA), Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).
Granger serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. She also serves as a Deputy Majority Whip. Granger is the first and only female Republican to serve in the Texas House delegation. Granger represents the 12th District of Texas and is currently serving her fifth term in Congress.