By Dr. Salma Saddawi
Iraqi women are engaged in persistent struggles faced with challenges that have intensified, due to legal setbacks and severe socioeconomic barriers.
For decades, Iraqi women have fought tirelessly to claim their rightful place in society. One of the most significant milestones in Iraq’s legal history, Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959, provided vital protections for women in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family rights. This progressive legislation was a beacon of equality, setting Iraq apart in the region. However, recently, amendments fuelled by radical influences have dismantled many of these hard-won rights, threatening the dignity and freedoms of Iraqi women.
Regressive Legal Changes and Their Impact
- Sectarian Family Laws
The introduction of sectarian family laws has replaced Iraq’s once-unified civil law system, creating disparities in legal proceedings. These laws undermine women’s rights, leading to biased and inconsistent rulings that favor men while disregarding justice and gender equality. - Child Marriage
One of the most alarming setbacks is the legalization of child marriage, allowing girls as young as nine to be wed under religious interpretations. This deprives them of their childhood, education, and the opportunity for a better future. - Polygamy and Divorce Rights
Recent legal changes have made it easier for men to marry multiple wives without judicial oversight while simultaneously restricting women’s ability to seek fair divorce settlements. This regression traps many women in abusive marriages with little to no legal or financial protection. - Inheritance Laws
Amendments to inheritance laws now heavily favor male heirs, further marginalizing women by increasing their financial dependency and depriving them of their rightful share in family assets.
The Socioeconomic Struggles of Iraqi Women
While these legal setbacks are deeply concerning, Iraqi women also face profound economic and social hardships that further limit their progress and quality of life. Out of 13 million working-age Iraqi women, only one million are employed.
- Barriers to Education
A significant number of women, particularly in rural areas, face barriers to education due to financial constraints, societal norms, and ongoing conflict. 47% of females completed lower secondary school. Limited access to schooling keeps many Iraqi women from acquiring the skills necessary for financial independence and social mobility. - Limited Workforce Participation
Even when women do receive an education, they often encounter discrimination and restricted job opportunities. Cultural expectations around gender roles, coupled with Iraq’s economic struggles, have resulted in women comprising only 9% of the workforce, particularly in high-paying sectors. - Poverty Among Widows and Divorced Women
One of the most heartbreaking realities is the extreme poverty faced by widows and divorced women. Without the support of a husband or family, many women find themselves in dire economic conditions. They lack access to proper social services, legal protections, or financial resources, forcing them into dependency, vulnerability, and even exploitation.
The Resistance: Iraqi Women’s Strength and Resilience
Despite these hardships, Iraqi women continue to resist oppression. Activists, educators, ordinary women, and Alliance 188, a group of women and human rights organizations and activists, including Iraqi Women’s League alike are standing against discriminatory laws, advocating for better access to education, economic opportunities, and stronger legal protections. Their resilience and determination are a testament to their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
A Call to Action
This fight is not solely that of Iraqi women; it is a collective responsibility. We, as a society, must take action to restore justice and equality.
- Restore Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959 and prevent further regressive amendments.
- Ensure equal access to education for girls so that no woman is denied the chance to reach her full potential.
- Increase women’s participation in the labour market, guaranteeing equal access to employment, training, and career advancement.
- Support widows and divorced women by strengthening social services, financial aid, and legal protections to secure their rights and dignity.
Conclusion: A Future Worth Fighting For
The future of Iraq is intertwined with the empowerment of its women. No nation can truly progress while half of its population remains marginalized and oppressed. We must ensure that women are free to live with dignity, protected by laws that uphold their rights, and given the opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.
We will not accept the return of Iraqi women to the dark ages. We will not allow girls to be deprived of their right to childhood, education and a future.
To every woman in the world fighting for justice today—you are not alone. Your struggle is our struggle. Together, we will build a world that values equality, dignity, and offers opportunities for all.
Dr. Salma Saddawi, Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, is an activist in environmental conservation, water resources, desertification, and climate change. She advocates for women’s rights, gender equality, and child protection. As a member of the Iraqi Women’s League, she actively supports initiatives empowering women and promoting social progress.
This is a (lightly) edited speech delivered by Dr. Salma Saddawi on behalf of the Iraqi Women’s League at an International Women’s Day meeting held in Portcullis House, Westminster parliament, 5 March 2025
The views expressed in the articles published on this website do not necessarily represent those of Liberation.
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Photo: Women protesting in Bagdad on International Women’s Day. They are holding and carrying photos of women killed during the October 2019 uprising.
