In the World Today, Violence against Women Remains One of the Most Widespread Violations of Human Rights

Iraqi First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed

Written by Iraqi First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, Originally Published by Iraqi Presidency

Violence against girls and women remains one of the most prevalent human rights violations everywhere in the world, and it is no different in Iraq. Change begins with education. We in Iraq join the worldwide campaign to raise awareness with events held across the country. His Excellency the President and I steadfastly oppose underage marriage, forced marriage and domestic violence. These practices have no place in our society. I have personally raised the issue with the Minister of Justice and I will continue to do so until firm action is taken.

Some purveyors of exploitation in our country are trading girls as young as 12 for the gratification of debauched men. The available statistics are not reliable because few women will speak, out of shame. Yet many have come forward and shared their harrowing stories of abuse.

Fighting this battle will require concerted inter-agency efforts. Iraq’s 2012 anti-trafficking law criminalized forced labor and some forms of trafficking, but the legal framework needs to be updated. The implementation of the law remains the greatest challenge. Much of the heavy lifting falls within the scope of the Ministry of Interior, to identify and arrest the perpetrators. The judicial bodies must prosecute and mete out the harshest punishment. Education institutions must reinforce the message. 

Every boy must be taught, and every man needs to understand that the woman they abuse is a human being, and she is also someone’s daughter and someone’s sister. And if they cannot relate because they have no daughter or sister, they certainly have a mother.