Iraqi Leaders Unite to Strengthen Women’s Rights on Islamic Day for Combating Violence Against Women
Iraq’s top officials and the UN Mission marked the Islamic Day for Combating Violence Against Women on Saturday by calling for comprehensive action against gender-based violence,
According to Shafaq News, President Abdul Latif Rashid highlighted the persistent marginalization of Iraqi women due to political instability, terrorism, and harmful social media influences. He praised the recent amendment to Iraq’s Personal Status Law, which now allows women to choose the religious legal code governing their marriage contracts. Rashid urged religious authorities to expedite protective legal codes and called on parliament to pass legislation establishing a national authority for women’s empowerment.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani outlined government efforts, noting that over 576,000 women benefit from social protection programs, including 165,000 female-headed households. He detailed national initiatives like the National Strategy for Women (2023–2030), the updated strategy to combat violence against women and girls, and the third National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (2025–2030). Al-Sudani also announced the expansion of women’s shelters across four provinces and pledged a formal report to the UN Human Rights Council in November.
Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani condemned the trauma suffered by Yazidi women during ISIS’s 2014 offensive, calling it a national failure. UN representative Mohamed El Hassan described violence against women as systemic and urged sustained institutional and international support.
National Wisdom Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim launched the “My Family, My Nation” initiative, promoting women’s roles in family and society through training, psychological support, and public dialogue, with calls for broad societal backing.
It should be mentioned that Islam, representing the precinct teachings of Quran and Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), upholds a strong stance with regard to protection of the rights of women and their vital role in society. The Prophetic traditions, as narrated in pure Shia sources, embody such spirit and offer humanity the best of examples in treatment of women and honouring their role in developing a healthy society.
