PUK: Championing Women’s Active Role in Leadership and Governance

Reports 12:41 PM - 2025-10-19

PUK logo and list number.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has consistently championed the active participation of women in all spheres of governance and decision-making, both within the party and across public institutions — from the era of President Mam Jalal to the current leadership of President Bafel Jalal Talabani.

In pursuit of this goal, the PUK has continuously defended women’s rights and encouraged them to achieve equality and representation. For the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, the PUK has nominated a higher proportion of women candidates than the percentage required by the Independent High Election Commission (IHEC), fielding the largest number of female candidates across the constituencies.

PUK Has Given Women an Active Role in Management and Leadership

Srwsht Janab Mohammed, candidate No. 24 on the PUK’s List 222 for the Sulaymaniyah constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “The PUK is a party that truly understands the importance of women’s participation in political and governmental life. It has always championed the inclusion of women because we bring discipline, care, and structure to management. Wherever the PUK holds responsibility, women have been given influential roles in leadership and administration.”

She added: “From the era of President Mam Jalal to the current leadership of President Bafel, the PUK has remained steadfast in protecting women’s rights. This has inspired us women to defend our and other women's rights within the party and across government institutions. Women's rights and equality must be achieved by activating laws in the parliament. For this, the PUK has given us the confidence to demand equality and to serve without fear.”

The PUK Has Worked to Amend Laws in Favour of Women

Through its representatives, the PUK has played a key role in amending laws that do not serve women’s interests in the Iraqi parliament, ensuring that women’s rights are protected and advanced.

Khalat Ahmed Najmadin, candidate No. 12 on the PUK’s List 222 in the Kirkuk constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “It is clear to everyone that the PUK has always prioritised women’s participation in all sectors. For the Iraqi parliament, the PUK has nominated women in all constituencies at a rate exceeding the IHEC’s quota, empowering women to defend their rights at the national level.”

She added: “Through its parliamentary representatives, the PUK has been instrumental in reforming laws that discriminate against women, ensuring the changes are in women’s interests as women have always been given rights and positions within the PUK. This support has motivated us to run for office and to serve in parliament as advocates for women’s rights in every field.”

The PUK Has Given Women a Strong and Influential Position

The PUK has consistently presented women’s demands to both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi federal government, ensuring that women occupy strong and influential positions within political and governmental institutions.

Mahabad Sheikh Hama Amin, candidate No. 16 on the PUK’s List 222 in Sulaymaniyah, told PUKMEDIA: “The PUK holds a strong position in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, and has ensured that women occupy a similarly strong position within its political and organisational framework. The PUK has consistently presented women’s demands to parliament in all cabinets of both the Iraqi and KRG, and has taken the lead in amending numerous laws that previously failed to include provisions for gender equality.”

She continued: “The PUK has insisted on women’s participation in all political organs and party bureaus. Women within the PUK are active and committed across all political fields, with the party’s leadership continuously supporting their rights. We are heading to the Iraqi parliament with the same determination to represent women’s voices.”

For the 2025 Iraqi parliamentary elections, the PUK is contesting under List 222 in Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Erbil, Kirkuk, and Diyala constituencies, while also participating in three coalition lists in Nineveh, Saladin, and Baghdad provinces.

Across these constituencies, the PUK has nominated 36 women candidates, a figure that exceeds the IHEC’s required quota, reaffirming the party’s deep commitment to women’s empowerment, equality, and leadership in all areas of governance.

The PUK is contesting the 2025 Iraqi parliamentary elections, scheduled for 11 November, across several governorates, presenting its candidates on an independent list numbered 222 in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah (including Halabja), Duhok, Kirkuk, and Diyala. In Nineveh Governorate, the PUK is running as part of the "Nineveh People’s Union Coalition" with list number 281, while in Saladin it is fielding one candidate within the "National Masses Coalition" with list number 240.

Overall, the PUK is entering the elections with 156 candidates: 36 in Sulaymaniyah, 30 in Erbil, 5 in Duhok, 24 in Kirkuk, 28 in Diyala, 31 in Nineveh within the Nineveh People’s Union coalition, and one candidate each in Saladin and Baghdad.



PUKMEDIA