ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – To mark International Women’s Day, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) reiterates its commitment to counter discrimination on the basis of gender and the marginalization of women in society, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said on Monday.

His remarks came on the International Women’s Day, held annually on March 8 to mark the role of and achievements of women and highlight women’s issues.

“The KRG reiterates its commitment to combat gender discrimination or women’s marginalization,” Barzani said in a statement, renewing the call to support women across all sectors, in order to eliminate violence and uphold the principles of equality and forgiveness.

The premier also shed light on the historic role of Kurdish women in the liberation movement and their stand against tyranny and oppression.

In early February, Barzani visited the General Directorate for Combatting Violence Against Women (GDCVAW) in the Kurdstian Region’s capital Erbil, where he outlined the importance of the 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence. Staff at the Directorate are available to answer questions and provide free counseling and legal advice.

In 2018, the United Nations and the KRG launched the hotline for victims of gender-based violence in the Kurdistan Region, providing them an avenue to call for support services and to alert law enforcement of their situation.