The number of women in the Iraqi labor market is very low.  Women, who take part in the labor market despite many pressures and obstacles, are paid low wages or work in working areas they don’t want.

XOFRAN EL-RADÎ

Baghdad – In Iraq, working women face many social and legal barriers. They are subjected to gender-based discrimination due to the worsening economic situation and labor laws. According to the World Bank, less than 15% of women participate in the labor market in Iraq. This rate is the lowest rate in the world.

Women face discrimination

Y.L. is a woman working at a drug warehouse in Iraq. “I have worked at the drug warehouse for 10 years. I don’t have a child because I fear losing my job. Many women were fired for being pregnant. Employers fire pregnant women because there is no article in the labor law to protect pregnant women. Although the article 2 of the labor law guarantees the right to work, under equal conditions and with equal opportunity, to all citizens who are able to work, without any discrimination on the basis of sex, race, language or religion, women are fired for being pregnant.  Working women face many challenges due to the patriarchal mentality in our society. For Instance, I have to work in departments that I don’t specialize in because I am a woman,” she told us.

“Don’t give up”

Stating that women face difficulties in convincing their families or spouses to work, Y.L. said, “Women shouldn’t give up despite all the difficulties. They should work to make decisions about their lives.”

She doesn’t like her job

Teacher F.C. was appointed as a contracted teacher several months ago. After graduating from the art department, she studied English but she couldn’t find a job for years. “I want to be an interpreter but I have to work as a teacher now because my brothers don’t allow me to be an interpreter. I had many difficulties in convincing my brothers but now I meet all the needs of their children,” she told us.

There are many successful women

Journalist and activist Wassan Hafız emphasized that women should be empowered in the labor market. “There are many successful women in the labor market. We see many women in decision-making positions so women should be supported by their family, spouse and the people around them. If a father wants his daughter to be strong, if a brother wants his sister to be strong, they should first allow women to go to school and work.”