Since the US invasion of Iraq in March 2003, economic, social and political aftershocks have thrust the country into chaos. Present-day Iraq is plagued by insecurity, a lack of infrastructure and controversial leadership, transforming the situation for women from one of relative autonomy and security before the war into a national crisis.

Today Women Struggle to Regain Their Former Status and Rights

Before Saddam Hussein came to power in the 1970s, women in Iraq did not suffer the same types of repression as many other women around the world. They were encouraged to attend school, they could own property, they were allowed to divorce. In urban areas women held professional positions in government, medicine, law and the arts. Two wars, authoritarian repression and UN sanctions left most of Iraq in crippling poverty, with people struggling to meet the most basic needs.

The Success of Iraq Hinges on Women's Participation

In March 2003, women’s rights and gender equity were mentioned as symbolic issues for Iraq’s new national agenda. However, as the overall situation in Iraq began to deteriorate after the invasion, the focus on women was lost in the problems and violence facing the country as a whole. When it came time to transform symbolism into action by articulating support and solutions for the most pressing national issues, women’s issues were considered an afterthought at best, a distraction from the “real” issues at worst.

As a critical mass of the population, women have much to say about solving Iraq’s problems. Women know what is needed to take care of their families and rebuild their communities. Sustainable peace and democracy in Iraq depends on women’s participation at all levels of society.

Human Rights Conditions are Devastating

Violence against women increased within months of the U.S. invasion. There were assassinations and abductions of Iraqi professional women, in the country and abroad. Hair salons were bombed, and there were threats to women who drove or didn’t cover their hair. Soon every politician, businessperson, professional Iraqi and foreigner became vulnerable to kidnapping and attack and remains so today. This issue has become menacing enough to impede development efforts in the country. But the increasingly precarious status of women was and continues to be seen as a secondary issue, a distraction from the bigger political debates.

 

They are More Determined than Ever Because The Stakes are So High. Help Women in Iraq Build a Just and Peaceful Future Now.

Iraq is at a Critical Turning Point

Today the government is working towards restoring order and creating a working democracy, but huge challenges remain for women’s rights. While the constitution required 25% women to have seats in Parliament, that quota is not being met. The constitution also states that no law that contradicts Islam will be established. However, the interpretation of the text and laws at the local level can lead to further corrosion of women’s rights.

 

Unlike the other countries where we work, for security reasons, photographs of women’s faces are not shared. It is our hope that through your support we will be able to one day include pictures of our Iraqi participants.