Iraqi Women Establish Their First-Ever All-Women Political Party
For the first time in Iraq’s history, women are forming their political party, named the al-Mawadda Party. Iraqi Women Launch Their Own Political Party initiative aimed at unifying the efforts of women from various communities and sects and enhancing their role in political life.
The founding conference of the party was held with participation from both women and men. Participants affirmed to serve the party as a platform to empower women and involve them in decision-making processes, driven by the urgent need for all segments of society to contribute to building Iraq’s future.
The newly launched women’s party is seeking to contest the next parliamentary elections through a campaign focused on women’s empowerment. The party aims to become a distinctive and influential voice in Iraq’s male-dominated and conservative political arena, the founder and secretary general of al-Mawadda said.
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But men are also included in its ranks, as Iraqi law mandates that one-third of any party’s membership must be male. Al-Mawadda aims to shift this balance by empowering women and placing them in decision-making roles.
The foundation of Al-Mawadda for Iraqi Women is taken as more than a political shift; it’s a radical act of resistance in a country where women’s voices are often silenced and sidelined. Founded by activists, lawyers, and community leaders, this party aims to challenge discriminatory laws, increase women’s representation, and fight for justice from within the halls of power.
It is worth noting that women’s political, social, and cultural engagement is neither new nor unprecedented in Iraq’s history. Women from the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian community, for instance, have been active in several institutions and parties, such as the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo d’Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) and the Beth Nahrain Women’s Organization (BNOW). Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian women have organized numerous activities aimed at empowering women and promoting their societal roles alongside men.
Moreover, Iraq has seen progress in terms of women’s representation. For example, Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian politician Evan Faeq Jabro has served as Iraq’s Minister of Migration and Displacement since October 27, 2022. Additionally, activist and scholar Dr. Muna Yako currently holds the position of Head of the Independent Human Rights Commission in Iraq.
