Iraqi women have long struggle for rights in the Arab world. Iraq was at one time at the forefront of women’s rights. Iraq became the first Arab county in the 1950’s to have a female prime minister and to have laws that gave women the right to ask for a divorce. The rights of women have actually gotten worse over time. In 2005 to 2006 six women led ministries including influential ones governing works, refugees and communications. In the following government from 2006 to 2010 only four women led ministries. Iraqi women were hoping in last years elections woud provide them a larger role in government but despite holding 25% of the Parliament seats only one woman runs a ministry. This ministry of women’s affairs is largely a ceremonial department with a very small budget and minimal employees.
Female politicians are divided as well, many are content just being part of the government but many complain that before Saddam Hussein women played a very active role in government. During Saddam’s rule women had no governmental role and resistance movements were dominated by men. Today’s female politicians are both Westernized and rooted in Islamic tradition, but even with their lack of experience these women need to start somewhere in society to make change.
The demographic population is disproportionate due to many males being killed in wars during the past 3 decades. Women now cast 55 to 62 percent of the votes in the last election. As widows and divorced women they know better than anyone the means needed to support themselves. Unfortunately they must start from where they are and they have a long way to go to regain their voice in the government, but what better time than now.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/world/middleeast/13baghdad.htlm
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