For Immediate Release
July 13, 2004

Strengthening Local Government
Fact of the Day

To gain skills to better serve local citizens, 25 women managers from Babil Governate are participating in an intensive 10-day training program in public administration. The women represent nine government departments: municipality, environment, treasury, electricity, agriculture, social affairs, telecommunications, irrigation, and health. To decentralize services that were highly centralized under Saddam's regime, local officials in several governates are receiving special training to help them better respond to local needs.

SOURCE: U.S. Agency for International Development.