Iraqi organization highlights women’s rights challenges in Najaf with Personal Status Law in crosshairs

NAJAF — The Tamuz Organization for Social Development held an event in Najaf to address the state of women’s rights and the daily challenges faced by women in the city. Hosted at the Iraqi Al-Amal Association, the discussion brought together representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, volunteer groups, and the Provincial Office of Organizations. Notably absent were members of the Provincial Council, despite the session’s focus on critical issues affecting women.

The discussion touched on alarming statistics reported by international organizations, including child marriage, laws allowing rapists to marry their victims, and barriers to girls’ education.

Zubeida Al-Baghdadi, a legal advisor, criticized Iraq’s current and proposed personal status laws. “The current Personal Status Law contains many loopholes that are unjust to women, especially regarding inheritance. Although Islamic texts guarantee women’s inheritance rights, practical applications often diminish their share,” she said.

She described the proposed law as a severe setback, arguing it deprives women of fundamental rights. “Such laws transform women into mere commodities, contradicting principles of equality and justice. They exacerbate social problems and fuel violence against women,” she added. Al-Baghdadi called for laws that protect rather than oppress women, noting, “The new law reduces women to mere objects for men’s pleasure.”

Journalist Zahraa Al-Khafaji told 964media that cultural and social barriers continue to hinder women’s progress. “Iraqi women, especially in Najaf, face significant obstacles due to societal stereotypes, outdated traditions, and violence, limiting their ability to fully participate in public life,” she said.

Among the challenges she emphasized were early marriage, which deprives girls of education and personal development, and the lack of awareness about women’s legal rights. “Raising awareness about women’s societal role, amending discriminatory laws, and ensuring education and job opportunities are crucial steps,” Al-Khafaji said.

She also criticized early marriage practices, noting, “Many young girls are unaware of the implications of contracts they enter into, posing long-term threats to their futures.”

Nidal Al-Baghdadi, representing the Najaf Health Department, stressed the need for greater awareness of legal protections. “Empowering women begins with educating them about their rights,” she said. She underscored the role of education in enabling women to advocate for themselves and participate in decision-making.

Al-Baghdadi pointed to early marriage as a critical issue. “Many young girls are forced into marriage as minors without understanding the consequences, jeopardizing their future,” she said. She advocated for heightened awareness about the harms of early marriage and stricter penalties for perpetrators.

Speakers at the session emphasized the importance of legal reform and societal change. They urged collaborative efforts from the government, civil society, and families to combat violence against women, ensure legal protection, and promote equal opportunities. “Empowering women is a shared responsibility,” said Al-Khafaji. “Through cooperation, we can build a just and equitable society for all.”

The session was part of a broader global campaign to combat violence against women, aligning with international efforts to raise awareness and drive action on gender-based violence. Organized in conjunction with the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the event aimed to shed light on the pressing challenges faced by Iraqi women, particularly in Najaf.