By |Â Dr. Nazaket Hussen
Women around the world continue to fight for their rights, a struggle that has deep historical roots. Every year, women’s advocacy organizations select themes for March 8, focusing on key issues that serve as tools for advancing gender equality.
Although significant progress has been made over time, women today continue to play vital roles, particularly in developed countries and in societies where legal frameworks prevent societal norms from undermining women’s confidence and belief in their abilities.
However, each era brings new challenges, shaped by technological advancements and political, economic, and social changes. For instance, the World Federation of Journalists’ Gender Committee has increasingly focused on the issue of online violence against women in recent years.
This year’s theme, Equality in the Media, highlights the ongoing fight for women’s rights and the evolving challenges they face. It emphasizes the need for fair representation and equal opportunities in the media industry, underscoring the continuous efforts required to address gender disparities.
Women in the Kurdistan Region
In the Kurdistan Region, the recognition of women’s strength and leadership has deep historical roots. Throughout history, Kurdish women have worked alongside men in agriculture, mountainous regions, and other outdoor labor, often assuming the role of family head. Kurdish history also records instances where women served as tribal leaders and even rulers. However, despite these historical examples, women in Kurdistan, like in many other societies, are not immune to social oppression and domestic violence.
Political Perspective and Challenges
From a political standpoint, the absence of a Kurdish state and the historical oppression of Kurds, particularly under the fascist Baath regime before the 1991 uprising, posed significant barriers. Under that regime, not only were women denied political participation, but Kurdish men were also prohibited from engaging in politics. Women were particularly vulnerable, subjected to atrocities such as Anfal, chemical attacks, imprisonment, torture, and sexual violence.
Following the Kurdish revolution and the region’s move toward autonomy, women took their first steps toward political participation. While Kurdish women had contributed to the liberation struggle, particularly within the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), their involvement remained limited.
The KDP was the first political party in the region’s history to include women at high levels of leadership. Even today, with the KDP holding a significant presence in government and parliament, women continue to be appointed to parliamentary, ministerial, and council positions.
President Barzani has long been a strong supporter of women’s empowerment. However, as in many other societies, women’s political participation in Kurdistan has been delayed, and further efforts are needed to strengthen their presence in governance, education, and leadership roles. Additionally, measures must be taken to protect women from domestic violence, as well as from discrimination and harassment in both traditional and digital spaces.