Launch of joint report on Strengthening the Participation and Representation of Iraqi women in Political and Electoral Processes

Baghdad, 29 January 2024 - At the launch of a joint report on strengthening the participation and representation of Iraqi women in political and electoral processes, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Mr. Claudio Cordone, encouraged Iraqis to consider its recommendations and build on existing good practices to support women’s participation in politics.

The conference was attended by Dr. Yossra Karim, Director General, National Directorate for Iraqi women, as well as Members of Parliament, newly elected female Governorate Council members, civil society, and representatives of the Independent Higher Electoral Commission (IHEC) and the Supreme Judicial Council.

The report, jointly produced by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the National Directorate for Iraqi Women, reflects the results of 12 consultation sessions conducted across Iraq with local authorities, civil society organizations, former parliamentarians and Governorate Council members, youth, and women, to identify challenges and ways to strengthen women’s participation in politics.  The recommendations of the report include providing training on political processes to women already in politics or aspiring to enter politics; encouraging media to avoid bias against the role of women in politics; adopting security measures such as the hotlines for complaints during electoral campaigns; and urging political parties to promote women in leadership positions.

“The struggle for affirming the equal rights and opportunities for men and women, including in the realm of political participation ad representation, is not an easy one.  We welcome Iraq’s commitment to this noble undertaking, and remain steadfast in our own commitment to support the Government and people of Iraq in the pursuit of this objective,” DSRSG Cordone said in his speech.