UNAMI and the Free Iraq Foundation jointly mark International Women's Day

Baghdad, 15 March 2021 - To mark the International Women’s Day, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the Free Iraq Foundation jointly hosted an interactive virtual discussion with senior Iraqi leadership, policymakers, MPs, members of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), civil society and the international community to discuss the findings and recommendations of the research undertaken in 2020 on needs and challenges facing Iraqi women entering politics.

Among speakers were Mr. Hasan Al-Kaabi, First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Ms. Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Ambassador Rend al-Rahim, President of the Iraq Foundation, Dr. Yossra Kareem Mohsen, Acting Director-General of the Women Empowerment Directorate, General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, and Dr. Ahlam Adnan al- Jabiri, Commissioner, Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) (former Chief Electoral Officer).

Findings of the study confirm that Iraqi women entering politics and those already in public office at national and sub-national levels continue to face socio-cultural, financial, and institutional challenges hindering them from being effective leaders. On a positive note, the findings demonstrate that women on their own are capable of winning elections through various strategies and provide recommendations for key actors on how to increase women’s participation. A policy paper on strengthening women’s participation in politics was issued following the study findings.

Attendees agreed that to have fair and democratic elections, the multiple challenges hindering Iraqi women’s full and active participation require joint action by key actors- government, civil society, political parties through various strategies including a change of negative stereotypes and promoting an environment free of violence against female candidates. Attendees welcomed the recent establishment of a Supreme Committee on Promoting Women’s Participation in the upcoming elections.

Photos : UNAMI PIO / Ivan Djordjevic