RAJA HAMID RASHID

Iraq-Women are underrepresented in politics and at all levels of decision-making in Iraq despite the recent remarkable gains achieved by them. Gender quota system plays an important role in ensuring women's representation in parliament and local councils; however, it is insufficient to increase women’s political participation without eliminating gender-based violence and discrimination. Iraqi women demand policies that promote equal opportunities for women in politics and social life.

‘Radical changes are needed’

Azhar Al-Shaikhli does not believe that the upcoming elections will be the decisive factor for the demanded changes. “Radical changes are needed in the system and constitution. The amendment of the constitution is very difficult and requires a referendum and the approval of a two-thirds majority vote. Achieving the political consensus is very difficult because there are differences among political parties, whether Sunni, Shiite, or Kurdish.”

‘Western countries think of their own interests’

She also spoke about the recent discussions on dissolving the armed factions. “Western countries, especially the United States, think of their own interests instead of the problems suffered by Iraq such as economic and unemployment problems.”

‘Women need laws guaranteeing their rights and protecting them’

Azhar Al-Shaikhli commented on the upcoming parliamentary elections in Iraq and said, “The number of women in the parliament rose in the previous elections; however, women in some regions are reluctant to run for the elections due to religious fatwas and social restrictions that may prevent women’s political participation.”

Azhar Al-Shaikhli also criticized the approval of three controversial laws; the General Amnesty Law, the Return of Property to Owners Law, and amendments to the Personal Status Law. “The amendments in Amnesty Law pave the way for an increase in gender-based violence and the amendments in the Personal Status Law endanger women’s rights. Iraqi women need laws guaranteeing their rights and protecting them from violence. Making a difference in society is difficult without amending the laws.”

‘Efforts are needed to increase women’s political participation’

Nadia Al-Jadoua believes that Iraq needs radical changes in law and politics in order to increase women’s political participation. “Joint efforts are needed to increase women’s participation in politics and decision-making positions.”

‘Elections will be decisive for all political blocs’

The upcoming elections will be decisive for all political blocks, leading to significant changes in the balance of political power, Nadia Al-Jadoua indicated. “I think that those who boycotted the previous elections will not boycott the 2025 elections because Iraqi society wants a change.”

“Every electoral period brings hope for a political change in Iraq,” said human rights activist Anwar Dawood Al-Khafaji. “Despite popular calls for reform, the lack of strong and effective opposition parties prevent the chances for radical change. Gender quota system plays an important role in ensuring women's representation in parliament and local councils; however, it is insufficient to increase women’s political participation without eliminating gender-based violence and discrimination. Efforts should also be made to combat violence against women and create safe environments that encourage women’s political participation by ensuring gender equality.”