Rudaw English interviewed five women who ran in the May 12 election to ask why they were keen to enter the political fray in a male-dominated society and why they persisted despite the challenges.
The women interviewed came from a variety of backgrounds – some political, others not – but all shared a common aim: to improve not only the national interests of the Kurdish people, but to campaign for women’s rights and equality in Iraq.
“I think women, just like men, can play a role in directing and administering the community in every aspect, participate in politics, decision-making and negotiations,” Kajal Hadi Faqi, a member of the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU), told Rudaw English.
Although Faqi didn’t win her seat in the Iraqi parliament, she has held a position in the Kurdistan parliament since 2013.
Rezan Diler, a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), who has held a position in parliament for four years, entered politics because “policy makers have always been men and women have a very small role,” she told Rudaw.
Although she too failed to secure her seat, she explained she has worked hard in the past to pass a law preventing violence against women. This law failed to pass, however. She believes she was discriminated against as some men stood against her based on her religious beliefs. Other men treat women differently based on their looks, she says.
“This doesn’t mean I have to give up on politics,” she said. “On the contrary, I have to be stronger so as to be able to achieve women rights.”
Another member of the KIU in Kirkuk, Jwan Hassan Arif, explained that she comes from a political family and that the situation under the Saddam Hussein regime in the 1980s encouraged her to enter politics herself, although secretly at first.
Although she did not secure a seat in the Iraqi parliament, she has been part of the Kirkuk Provincial Council since 2005.
“Women are an important part of the society,” she told Rudaw. “Women cannot make changes in society, in decisions or law-making or the way the society thinks, if they are not involved in politics.”
Arif said some women may face problems in politics by virtue of being looked down upon, but should make an effort to prove themselves to change negative perceptions.
“Men and women are no different in doing political work,” she said. “Women can even do a better job if they are given a chance. They should prove themselves in the society.”
Dr. Viyan Sabri, a Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) member in Duhok, said her passion for national issues drove her into politics and that “Kurdish women must have their voices heard in the political process to reach political decision-making.”
Sabri, who ran for a seat in the Iraqi parliament for the first time in the May 12 election, not only secured a seat but was also the only candidate to win in three districts near Duhok out of all other parties.
Although the road was not “paved with roses,” Sabri says she will do her best to represent the needs of the Kurdish people, especially women.
“I will work hard to represent the Kurdish women the best way I can and to fulfill the trust of my voters,” she told Rudaw, adding “I will defend our constitutional rights.”
Hader Zubar, an attorney for 15 years and also a member of the KDP, has worked on legal cases involving those affected by the Anfal campaign under the Baathist regime.
As a member of the Barzani family, she lost her father, five relatives and 8,000 people from her tribe during the Anfal.
Zubar was also the first and only female attorney to be involved in trying Saddam Hussein in Baghdad’s high court for crimes against humanity.
“This made me get involved in politics in order to further serve the relatives of the martyred and Anfal and the Peshmerga brothers,” she said. This was the first time she has run for government office. She was successful in securing one of the 25 seats won by the KDP.
Most of the candidates interviewed believe women are taken seriously in parliament if they work hard to prove themselves for the role rather than being elected only to fulfill the 25 percent quota allotted for them.
“I hope women do not allow themselves to be used only to fill the quota system,” said KIU Kirkuk candidate Arif. “They should be aware and not accept these things.”
Asked whether they plan to further their political careers, all of the women said they are eager to serve their nation and the Kurdish people wherever their services may be needed.
“Women should have faith in themselves, their courage, bravery, knowledge and goals,” KDP candidate Zubar said, urging more women to enter the political arena. “They should decide their goals without hesitation. They should look to serve their country and the poor. They shouldn’t listen to the propaganda of their foes. This way, God will help them succeed.”
