Under the Leadership of Talabani, Women have been Integrated into Politics and Governance

Dr Paiman Ramazan, President of University of Raparin.

Dr Paiman Ramazan, President of University of Raparin.
 
Before 2003, women were absent in Iraqi politics, governance and economics. Since early 2005, President Jalal Talabani has been advocating for women’s human rights. With his commitment, women’s voting, political participation and taking part in the labor market have become possible. The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) under the leadership of Talabani has provided equal opportunities for women in leading institutions, participating in politics and governance.  The Kurdish and the Iraqi women have all suffered and were marginalised under the authoritarian Ba’ath Regime policies. Many women have become victims of political thought, religious, and ethnic differences.

The post-conflict phase in Iraq has been a new era for women. The PUK has started training and upskilling women for political participation and governance. The roles and duties have shifted from rebellion and resistance to leading and participating in the various state affairs.  Taking into consideration the Kurdish women, who have been part of resistance against the Ba’ath regime, women have also been part of liberation and revolutions in the Kurdistan Region. Prior to the liberation of Iraq, women’s educational participation had been limited, because of several obstacles which were practiced in the Ba’ath regime’s policies and politics.

After 2003, a quota system was introduced to support women to become parliamentarians in the new government. The quota system as an initial means for women’s empowerment has been influential. This initiative has been supported by Talabani. It can be said that the PUK has been the initiating party who supported women's empowerment in governance and politics alike. It has been difficult to change the culture and create a shared responsibility for accepting women in taking similar leadership roles in government, while with the support of Talabani it has been possible.

Talabani’s thoughtful understanding of women’s potential has created the current and a future where women have their voices in decision-making, in political affairs and governance. In addition, violence against women, especially in the Kurdistan Region, has decreased over the course of the years, and women have gotten more protection with the support of the courts and under the rule of law. The slogan that women cannot do, has changed to women can do it, even in jobs that were described as more demanding in terms of commitment and effort.

Even after eight years of his leave, the PUK new leader, Bafel Talabani, so far effectively supports women in various aspects of state, politics and governance. The PUK has appointed many women to governance, including Head of Parliament, Ministries, Head of Boards, University Rectors, governor, as well as other political roles, which are similarly led by men.