The United Nations mission affirmed today, Friday, that Iraq has made significant strides in advancing women's rights. A statement from the mission highlighted that "on International Women's Day, we unite to reaffirm our commitment to promoting the rights and empowerment of women and girls worldwide. The slogan 'Investing in Women to Accelerate Progress' underscores the urgent need to address the ongoing challenges that hinder gender justice."
The statement added: "Economic empowerment of women remains a fundamental goal in our pursuit of justice. Secured income, access to suitable job opportunities, and meaningful participation in decision-making processes are essential for creating a thriving and just society. However, global investment designated for women is insufficient, with a funding gap of about $360 billion to meet the essential needs of women and girls."
The statement noted that "increasing funding dedicated to women is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic necessity for inclusive economic growth, food security, and income opportunities, leading to better outcomes at the individual, family, and community levels, ultimately contributing to sustainable long-term development and social stability, especially in vulnerable communities."
Additionally, the statement mentioned that "in celebration of International Women's Day in Iraq, the National Directorate for Iraqi Women in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, in collaboration with UN agencies, called on stakeholders in the Iraqi government, representatives from the public and private sectors, civil society organizations, and international partners to enhance our collective commitment to increasing funding for women. The celebration showcased achievements in women's economic empowerment, identified key gaps, and mapped the path toward gender justice in all areas of life."
It was pointed out that "Iraqi women have shown resilience and determination in their pursuit of economic empowerment through initiatives aimed at increasing their representation in decision-making roles. Women face additional obstacles, including unequal access to resources and food, wage disparities, high levels of informal employment, limited access to entrepreneurship opportunities and financial services, and overwhelming caregiving responsibilities. Moreover, they face a significant risk of violence and discrimination imposed by social and cultural norms."
The statement concluded by emphasizing that "Iraq has made considerable progress in promoting women's rights, including the enactment of legislation that ensures women's representation in parliament and political fields. The recent parliamentary elections witnessed a significant increase in the number of female parliamentarians, exceeding the constitutionally mandated quota. This progress is evidence of the potential for change and underscores the importance of continued investment in women's empowerment."
