50 Years of Progress: The PUK’s Enduring Commitment to Women’s Political Empowerment

P.U.K 10:25 PM - 2025-05-29

Towards the golden jubilee of the PUK.

Since its establishment half a century ago, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has maintained a steadfast commitment to women’s involvement in political life. The party has always welcomed their participation, with women forming a crucial pillar of its struggle. Today, women account for over 25% of the PUK’s workforce. President Bafel Jalal Talabani continues to uphold this legacy, following in the footsteps of the late President Mam Jalal.

Fahima Sabir, a former member of the PUK Leadership Council, spoke to PUKMEDIA, noting: “Prior to the uprising and during the time of the mountain resistance, women took up arms alongside men. Many women served as Peshmerga within the PUK’s ranks. Following the uprising and the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government and Parliament, numerous female cadres within the PUK were appointed as ministers and members of parliament—decisions taken by President Mam Jalal. Later, during the party’s first and second congresses, women rose to become members of the Leadership Council, the Political Bureau, and the Central Council, eventually attaining positions such as Speaker of the Kurdistan Parliament, among many other high-ranking roles within both the party and government.”

She added, “The PUK remains the only party in Kurdistan where women occupy over 30% of decision-making positions. This was the vision of President Mam Jalal, and President Bafel is now carrying that vision forward. The PUK firmly believes that meaningful change is unattainable without a women’s revolution. Accordingly, the party has supported the women’s movement in their quest to enhance their societal roles and attain financial independence.”

The PUK Advocades for Women’s Rights

Hasiba Abdullah, another former member of the PUK’s Leadership Council, told PUKMEDIA: “The PUK stands apart from other Kurdish parties in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the broader region due to its special focus on developing female cadres and advocating for women’s rights. President Mam Jalal was a firm supporter of women’s political engagement, playing a key role in helping them establish themselves. If we look back at the era of armed resistance, Ms. Hero Ibrahim Ahmed not only participated politically and militarily but also documented this period of resistance on video—an achievement we all take pride in today.”

She also highlighted President Mam Jalal’s significant contributions in the social sphere, saying: “He was a relentless opponent of harmful societal practices that undermined women’s rights, such as polygamy. Today, President Bafel Jalal Talabani continues this path, showing strong commitment to women’s roles within the PUK by appointing them to high-ranking positions, enabling them to continue their struggle alongside their male counterparts.”

She emphasised that “the PUK’s bylaws mandates that no less than 25% of senior positions be held by women, though we aspire for this figure to be exceeded, especially in political and governmental responsibilities.”

A Message from the PUK to Women

The PUK has long positioned itself as a firm advocate for women’s rights. On 8 March, International Women’s Day, President Bafel Jalal Talabani issued a congratulatory message to women in Kurdistan, Iraq, and across the globe. “We are deeply committed to equality and to expanding women’s participation in positions of power and influence,” he stated. “Guided by this core principle, we shall continue to provide women with opportunities to engage fully within the PUK, strengthen their organisational capacities, reignite the spirit of the women’s movement, and ensure their freedoms are never compromised.”

PUK President also said: “I have always stood—and will continue to stand—with you, advocating for the fulfilment of your rightful demands. I am determined to remove the barriers you face so that women can play an even greater role across the Kurdistan Region and continue to contribute to success and transformation in every area of life.”



PUKMEDIA