The Battle for Women's Rights - Iraq

April 2005
It's perhaps women who have the most to lose from the new Shia government in Iraq. But as Salam Pax, Baghdad Blogger, learns that's only made some more determined to fight for an equal role in society.

"The Islamists have a very dark vision for Iraqi women to be afghan-ized," fears women's rights activist Yanar Mohammed. "If we don't act against it now, it's going to become a reality we have to deal with for decades." Although women make up 60% of the population in Iraq, they remain marginalised and oppressed. Since the war, many feel their position has deteriorated. "Millions are being pushed back into their houses. We are seeing measures that were not there before," states Yanar Mohammed. Ballet teacher Ghada Saleem agrees. "There are new restrictions on the streets. Most women now wear a veil." The fear is that Islamic groups will exert a strong influence on the new government, leading to women being marginalised even further. But having witnessed the Islamic Revolution in Iran, many are determined to prevent this happening. Government Minister Layla Abdul-Latif is helping lead the rebuilding of Iraq. The Iraqi Women's Rights League is attracting new recruits. And - despite receiving numerous death threats - women like Yanar Mohammed continue to speak out. They know they have too much to lose if they don't.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Womens
• Rights
• Iraq
• Salam
• Pax
• Islam
• War
• US
• Terror
• women's
• rights
• activist
• Yanar
• Mohammed
• news
• documentary
• current affairs
• journeyman
• journeyman pictures

[ozjenva]

Go brave ladies...dont let these religious cave men take away your basic freedoms!!!!!!

[AUsluicerman]

Very insightful. Shows part of the culture we don't often see.These courageous women reveal another struggle within a war torn society.

[crystalsaete]

I saw a video the other day of a women getting flogged. i counted 40 hits to the back of her legs for trying to run away from a man wanting to marry her. This was done in front of 50+ people including children. Can you imagine watching your sister getting beaten in front of you and you can not do anything about it? This video I saw was filmed in July of 2010 in Iraq.

[Thikramonem]

Very well done , Salam .. Proud of you , dear

[ozjenva]

@ilia2K10 I suppose they are better at giving birth too. Men are so good at so many things, because unlike most women, they crow about how good they are.

[ilia2K10]

@ozjenva Men are actually better cooks than woman.

[ozjenva]

@ilia2K10 oh inferior cavemen cant cook, that's right. LOL

[ilia2K10]

@ozjenva Men are fucking better than woman.

Calling us cavemen?

Well just get back to the fucking kitchen.

[ilia2K10]

@ozjenva Don't you see the population in getting higher yet we are running out of food faster?

Men actually have a more experienced life than woman like wars, fights, building and making civilization.

[ozjenva]

@ilia2K10 Why are you so threatened of women being able to make life choices? Are you that fragile you cant accept the concept of women making different choices other than the ones you feel they should be making, to suit your emotional needs?

Now what was that about eyebrows?

[ilia2K10]

@ozjenva What are woman usefull nowadays?

They make birth i know but thats making it worse.

If a woman said that to me what you just said.

I would fucking hook your fucking eye brow off.

[ozjenva]

@blackoil911 who's calling who a moron? Get an atlas you stupid fool, I am neither American nor British. Yes, that's right, you have no idea where I am from, because your command of the English language sucks so bad. Now what rubbish is it that you are trying to tell me?