More to be done to advance women’s empowerment, says SRSG Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert

Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met with civil society representatives and Women Advisory Groups (WAG) members from Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, along with Ajay Madiwale, UN Women Country Representative. The meeting was an opportunity to exchange views on ongoing efforts towards, as well as residual challenges to, the advancement of women’s rights in Iraq.

The participants highlighted the critical role civil society plays in promoting women’s empowerment, the need for progress on key legislation to protect women’s rights in Iraq, such as the Anti-Domestic Violence Law, and the value of women’s full participation in decision-making processes. They emphasized the distinct challenges facing specific categories of women, including women and girls with disabilities and women from minority groups.

During the meeting, SRSG Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert stressed that any pending legislation should have the protection of women and girls as a core objective. “There are genuine concerns, not just from women, but from all those in favour of promoting a safe and just society. As I leave Iraq, I laud the efforts of Iraqi women and men in advocating for legislation that supports the empowerment of women and girls. What’s more, any legislation related to children should be guided only by the best interests of the child.”

“As I have said before, too many women have been blocked from taking a seat at the table. And some of those who have gained a seat find themselves, still, excluded from decision-making processes. Women’s empowerment must go beyond symbolism.”

“And yes, the need for an active, empowered and protected civil society is as pressing as ever”, the SRSG concluded.

At the end of the meeting, SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert noted that UN Iraq would continue to support the Government of Iraq and civil society in ensuring progress towards the full realization of Iraq’s commitments to the protection and empowerment of women and girls across the country, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.