UN, Iraq government launch campaign to fight violence against women
The launch coincides with a worldwide effort to highlight and tackle violence against women. It also follows a shocking spate of murders targeting Iraqi women, including beauticians, models, and social media celebrities.
“The Government of Iraq and the United Nations in Iraq launched today a national strategy to combat violence against women, a significant step towards achieving women’s rights,” read a joint statement from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
The launch event was attended by several government officials, including the First Lady of Iraq, Sarbagh Salih, members of parliament, civil society, and international organizations, as well as representatives from the UN.
The Norwegian and Swedish embassies supported the launch ceremony.
“It is a propitious day to be thinking and talking about the rights of women to live lives free of violence,” said Alice Walpole, Deputy Special Representative for Iraq of the UN Secretary-General, addressing a ceremony in Baghdad. Sunday marks the penultimate day of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Oluremi Sogunro, UNFPA Representative to Iraq added: “This strategy is yet another win for women and girls in Iraq as it adds to the progresses observed in the past few years. UNFPA is proud to have worked with the Government of Iraq to develop this strategy through the provision of the technical capacities and expertise.”
Despite progress in improving women empowerment and protection, Iraq still faces significant challenges.
The Law to Protect Families from Domestic Violence has yet to be endorsed by the Iraqi parliament, which hinders further work on gender equality and women’s rights.
Adil Abdul-Mahdi, prime minister of Iraq, has appointed just one woman to his cabinet.
Women and girls often face societal, familial, and other pressures in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. A string of killings of high-profile women in Baghdad and Basra recently brought the issue global attention – particularly the murder of Iraqi model Tara Fares.
The Kurdistan Region joined the 16-day campaign aimed at raising awareness about violence against women on November 25.
The National Campaign to Combat Violence Against Women in the Kurdistan Region coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
“The United Nations reiterates its commitment to support and engage with the new Iraqi government, including the senior political leadership and the Council of Representatives, to advocate for the prioritization of relevant legislation in the new parliament,” the joint statement added.
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