Women’s rights activists participate in a panel discussion in Baghdad on International Women’s Day. (Photo: 964media)
International Women's Day
Activists highlight continued struggles for Iraqi women at Baghdad panel
BAGHDAD – Civil activists and women’s rights advocates gathered Saturday at the Iraqi Al-Amal Association in the Karrada district to mark International Women’s Day. The panel focused on the challenges facing Iraqi women and explored potential solutions.
Activist Shurooq Al-Abayji said women in Iraq continue to face deteriorating living conditions, largely because of ineffective policies meant to improve their status.
“The patriarchal mindset is deeply embedded in society and has led to disastrous results, including laws that strip women of their rights and deny them custody of their children,” she told 964media. She referenced recent amendments to Iraq’s Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959, which sparked widespread concerns about the rights of women and children.
“Cases of violence against women are also increasing for various reasons, including conflicts, unemployment, and drug use,” Al-Abayji added.
Nadia Mahmoud, a member of the Aman Women’s Coalition, said violence against women is pervasive: “There is no woman in Iraq who has not faced some form of violence—whether physical, sexual, financial, or economic.”
She also warned of growing threats and defamation campaigns on social media aimed at women’s rights activists, saying, “All of this is aimed at restricting women’s space, preventing them from expressing their opinions or positions, and exercising their civil rights.”
Activist Vian Sheikh Ali noted a persistent gap between men and women in leadership positions. “Despite their presence across all sectors, women still have not gained real participation in decision-making positions,” she said. “Even in parliament, women’s participation is not enough. They remain largely absent from leadership roles.”
