Global Open Day and 17th Anniversary of the UN SCR 1325 marked in Karbala

A consultative forum with women leaders from Karbala, Najaf, Wasit, Babil and Diwaniya Provincial Councils was held during 9-12 October to discuss enhancing and strengthening the participation and representation of women in the political process including National Settlement and Reconciliation processes.



The event was also part of marking the 17th Anniversary of the UN SCR 1325 and the first such forum with women leaders to be organized in Karbala.



In his opening remarks, the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (DSRSG) in charge of Political Affairs, Mr. György Busztin, stressed the importance of the participation of women, noting in dismay that the political space for women was shrinking. He made reference to the forthcoming Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) Board which is not expected to have any women and minority representatives.



“It is not enough to have one woman in the IHEC Board of Commissioners, my hope is to have five women in the IHEC Board of Commissioners, and maybe I am the unique one who would like to have more than five women,” Busztin said.



He assured participants that UNAMI will continue to advocate for the participation of women at all levels, notably in political, national settlement, reconciliation and peacebuilding initiatives in order to have an equal footing with men.



“When women meaningfully participate in peace processes, they can help expand the scope of agreements and improve the prospects of durable peace”, added DSRSG Busztin.



He assured that the recommendations of the consultative forum will be submitted to both the Prime Minister and the Council of Representatives to advocate for legal reforms and special measures to enhance women participation.



UN Women Representative in Iraq, Ms. Dina Zorba, echoed similar sentiments emphasizing on the need to promote women’s equal participation in decision making processes at all levels for strengthening democracy, empowering all women and girls and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. She also highlighted that equitable participation of both women and men in conflict resolution is important to achieving long lasting peace.



“Strengthening women’s rights and addressing barriers to political participation are critical to achieving gender equality and women empowerment”, she added.

The Chair of Karbala Provincial Council, Mr. Nsaif Jassaim, also attended the consultative forum. In his opening remarks Mr. Jassim commended UNAMI and UN Women’s efforts. “This meeting is important and held at an exceptional place and period, the Holy City of Karbala, during the holy month of Muharam,” he said. He highlighted the important role of women in society.



During the discussions, women underscored the need for political will to strengthen the role of women in decision-making positions and political processes. They urged UNAMI and UN Women to support local efforts to advocate for legal rights that would enable women in the South to participate fully in the political process. They also recommended the increased quota for women.