Iraqi women: Amendments to Personal Status Law threaten women's lives in Iraq
Iraqi women have rejected attempts to amend the Personal Status Law in Iraq, describing it as a dangerous step toward entrenching male dominance and threatening the lives of every woman living in Iraq.
Today, the Iraqi women issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep concern over the proposed amendments to the Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959, which are currently being discussed in the Iraqi parliament.
The women affirmed in the statement that these amendments significantly threaten women’s rights and lives, and represent a dangerous step towards consolidating male dominance in Iraqi law.
The statement added: "Current laws in Iraq do not reflect women's freedom or gender equality. All laws are written and approved by men, reinforcing the patriarchal mindset," warning that this legal change poses a greater risk to women’s lives than to others.
It pointed out that all laws related to women and children are prepared and discussed by men and the male-oriented state mentality, which deepens the gender gap.
The statement continued: "The proposed legal amendment represents a threat to every woman living in Iraq," noting that "under the current situation, women do not have the means to protect their rights in any way, as the state enforces inequality between men and women through such laws, giving men more rights to dominate women."
It highlighted that women's lives in Iraq are "threatened" in all aspects, including political, economic, educational, and legal spheres. Allowing the marriage of girls at the age of 9 is described as "killing a woman’s life and exterminating society."
The statement warned that if this legal amendment is approved, it will officially allow early marriage for girls, leading to "physical, mental, and social destruction of women and girls."
It emphasized that the 21st century should be a time for women's freedom, where women worldwide are fighting with the philosophy of "Women, Life, Freedom" against prevailing patriarchal attitudes. It expressed disappointment that Iraq is moving in the opposite direction by discussing laws that threaten women's struggles.
In conclusion, the women called on all institutions and organizations advocating for women's and children's rights in Iraq to raise their voices against these legal amendments. It stressed that "a 9-year-old girl’s place is not in marriage and childbirth, but in playing in parks and attending school." The women urged for the cancellation of this decision before it is approved and called on Iraqi society to oppose these amendments that threaten women's rights and dignity.
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