Raja Hamid Rashid
IRAQ — Under the current circumstances affecting the country, Iraqi women activists have affirmed that women are among the groups most impacted by crises, wars, and social unrest. They stressed the importance of empowering women and strengthening their capacities to face growing economic and social challenges, as well as their pivotal role in establishing stability and building society.

Empowering Women is a Necessity in Facing Crises

Human rights activist Israa Salman confirmed that women are the most affected group in times of war, social unrest, and economic crises, suffering double the harm compared to others. She added that current political situations and accompanying conflicts directly impact women's economic reality, increasing the pressure of daily living burdens alongside worsening psychological and social strains.

She emphasized the importance of focusing on empowering women and enhancing their abilities, particularly regarding self-protection and dealing with exceptional circumstances during wars, which are harsher on women. She stressed the importance of women having the ability to manage their own affairs, as well as knowing basic protection methods such as first aid, considering these skills essential in such difficult conditions that significantly affect society.

She noted that sectarian rhetoric exacerbates women's suffering, as they are among the vulnerable groups in society, especially in environments where women already struggle with difficult living conditions. She pointed out that confronting these challenges requires equipping women with necessary skills and strengthening their capacities to enable them to counter such rhetoric and protect themselves and their families from its consequences that may threaten security and stability.

She affirmed that these circumstances require clear training plans to prepare women on how to face crises and protect themselves and their families, particularly amid regional tensions and internal political and economic disturbances. She explained that the impact of these crises is clearly visible on women, especially in societies where women already suffer from discrimination and sectarian rhetoric, in addition to direct economic pressures.

Israa Salman concluded by emphasizing the need to adopt comprehensive national plans and specialized training programs to empower women, equipping them with essential skills to face challenges such as displacement, loss of a breadwinner, or insecurity. She called for unifying the efforts of the government and civil society organizations to support women and focus on this vital issue.

Women's Awareness is the First Line of Defense

Meanwhile, activist Jumana al-Samarra'i questioned whether confrontation is limited to wars and carrying weapons, pointing out that the harm women suffer is not limited to that but extends to social and cultural practices that pressure them under various circumstances, especially amid sectarian and economic crises that fuel societal conflicts.

She affirmed that women have always been and remain fundamental partners in building society, and that Iraqi women in particular have proven their resilience and strength in facing challenges and aggressions, despite successive crises and sectarian rhetoric that casts its shadow over society.

She sent a message to women, calling on them to be aware and independent, to be a free voice that does not align with any sectarian rhetoric, pointing to the role of women as media professionals, mothers, and educators in building society and raising generations. She called for spreading values of peace, rejecting divisions, holding onto national belonging, and working to raise awareness within the family and community surroundings, so that women become active elements in enhancing stability amid current challenges.

Empowering Iraqi women is no longer an option that can be postponed, but an absolute necessity imposed by the nature of current challenges. Amid rising crises, wars, and unrest, the need to strengthen women's roles and support them with skills and opportunities that enable them to endure and contribute effectively to protecting their families and building society becomes evident. Investing in women's awareness and capabilities forms the cornerstone for achieving social stability and enhances the chances of building a safer and more cohesive future for the country.