Iraqi Women’s Rights: A Core Pillar of Democratic Reform
The National Council of Iraqi Opposition (NCIO) affirms that the dignity, safety, and rights of Iraqi women are fundamental to the future of a free, democratic, and just Iraq.
While the term “women’s rights” is not explicitly mentioned in the Articles of Incorporation, the organization’s core purposes — to advance civic awareness, combat corruption, and relieve conditions associated with displacement — directly support and encompass the empowerment of women and girls.
As stated in the Schedule: Purpose of Corporation:
“To advance education and civic awareness by providing the public with nonpartisan information, resources, and programming focused on constitutional reform, anticorruption, and democratic development in Iraq and among Iraqi diaspora communities.”
“To relieve conditions associated with displacement by providing educational resources, mentorship, and community support to Iraqi refugees and newcomers in Canada.”
These mandates inherently include:
- Empowering women and girls through civic education
- Supporting female refugees and newcomers in Canada
- Advocating for legal reforms that protect women from violence and discrimination
- Promoting gender equality as a cornerstone of democracy
The Current Crisis for Iraqi Women
Iraqi women face severe and systemic challenges:
- Gender-Based Violence
- Domestic violence, honor killings, and sexual assault are widespread.
- Iraq lacks a comprehensive law against domestic violence.
- Child and Forced Marriage
- According to UNICEF, 24% of Iraqi girls are married before age 18.
- In some regions, marriage of girls as young as 9 is justified under religious interpretations.
- Political Exclusion
- Despite a 25% parliamentary quota, women are often symbolic figures, not decision-makers.
- Female candidates face intimidation, smear campaigns, and threats.
- Targeted Assassinations
- Over 100 women activists, journalists, and artists have been killed or disappeared since 2019.
- Notable victims include Suad al-Ali, Reem al-Basri, and Shukriya al-Naamani.
- Economic and Educational Barriers
- Women face discrimination in employment, inheritance, and property rights.
- Over 3 million Iraqi girls are out of school or at risk of dropping out.
- Militia Control and Religious Extremism
- Armed groups impose moral codes, restrict women’s movement, and ban “inappropriate” dress.
- Women are targeted for participating in protests or expressing secular views.
The NCIO’s Commitment to Women’s Rights
As a nonpartisan, charitable organization operating under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, the NCIO is committed to:
- Advocacy for Legal Reform
- Call for the adoption of a Comprehensive Law on Violence Against Women.
- Support the criminalization of child marriage and honor killings.
- Advocate for equal inheritance and property rights.
- Empowerment of Iraqi-Canadian Women
- Create platforms for Iraqi-Canadian women to lead, speak, and participate in civic life.
- Launch the “Hikayatuna – Our Stories” program for women’s leadership and mentorship.
- Support for Vulnerable Women
- Provide mentorship, educational resources, and trauma-informed support to refugee women.
- Partner with Canadian service providers to improve access to housing, healthcare, and employment.
- Education and Awareness
- Develop and distribute educational materials on women’s rights, gender equality, and civic rights in Arabic and English.
- Organize workshops on constitutional rights, anti-corruption, and digital safety.
- Monitoring and Reporting
- Document and report on human rights violations affecting women and children in Iraq.
- Share findings with Global Affairs Canada, UN Women, and human rights bodies.
- Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence
- Stand firmly against all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, forced marriage, and FGM.
- Partner with Canadian and Iraqi organizations to prevent and respond to abuses.
Our Call to Action
We call upon:
- The Government of Canada to:
- Recognize the role of women-led civil society in Iraq’s future.
- Fund programs that protect and empower Iraqi women and girls.
- Include gender rights as a core component of Canada’s Middle East policy.
- Global Affairs Canada to:
- Sanction individuals and groups involved in targeting women activists.
- Support independent media and human rights defenders.
- The United Nations to:
- Investigate violations of women’s rights in Iraq.
- Strengthen the mandate of UNAMI to protect civilians.
Our Vision
A free Iraq must be a safe Iraq for women and children.
True democracy cannot exist without gender justice.
The NCIO will not remain silent. We will not look away.
We stand with the women and children of Iraq.
Signed,
Board of Directors
National Council of Iraqi Opposition (NCIO)
Ottawa, Canada | www.ncioiq.ca | info@ncioiq.ca
