Women s Rights in Iraq

1. Women�s Rights in Iraq Power Point Accompaniment for �Women�s Right in Iraq� lesson plan Available in CEC�s Database of Civic Resources

2. Warm-Up Some of this view is based on stereotypcial views we have of religions we do not understand.Some of this view is based on stereotypcial views we have of religions we do not understand.

3. Warm-Up Some of this view is based on stereotypcial views we have of religions we do not understand.Some of this view is based on stereotypcial views we have of religions we do not understand.

4. Women in Iraq Historically Enjoyed More Freedoms Throughout much of recent history, Iraq was actually one of the most progressive countries in the Middle East for women, with Iraqi women historically enjoying more freedoms than the women of neighboring countries. As early as 1948, women were participating in Iraq�s revolutionary movement against British influence and monarchy in Iraq. The 1959 Law of Personal Status�which came into being thanks to a mobilization by Iraqi women after the end of British colonial rule�gave women equal rights to divorce, restricted polygamy, prohibited marriages under age 18 and ensured that men and women had the same inheritance rights. From the 1950s to the 1970s, Iraqi women could legally work, study, marry, divorce, and wear what they wanted. As of 1963, the Women�s Iraqi League had over 40,000 members. Some of this view is based on stereotypcial views we have of religions we do not understand.Some of this view is based on stereotypcial views we have of religions we do not understand.

5. Does it surprise you to hear that women in Iraq were actually granted more rights than in other Middle Eastern countries? Why do you think it is often assumed that women in Iraq have always suffered from a lack of rights? Some of this view is based on stereotypical views we have of religions we do not understand. We impose our western notions of equality onto other countries We don�t understand the complex culture and religionSome of this view is based on stereotypical views we have of religions we do not understand. We impose our western notions of equality onto other countries We don�t understand the complex culture and religion

6. Misunderstanding or Stereotyping Religions Which type of prayer is most familiar to you? Unfamiliar to you? Why do we sometimes judge, stereotype, or make generalizations about that which is unfamiliar?

7. Misunderstanding or Stereotyping Religions & Culture Which of these images contain people dressing in accordance with their religious beliefs or cultural practices? Which religions may be represented in such dress? Which forms of dress are you most familiar with? What similarities can you note between that with which you are familiar and the other images?

8. Understanding Islam Islam is the predominant religion in Iraq and the rest of the Middle East. Islam is the religion articulated by the Qur�an, considered by believers to be the literal word of God. One who practices Islam is a Muslim, meaning "one who submits [to God].� The vast majority of Muslims belong to one of two major denominations, the Sunni and the Shi'a. Hijab is the type of head covering traditionally worn by Muslim women, but can also refer to modest Muslim styles of dress in general. Muslims differ as to how "hijab dress" should be enforced.

9. What is this passage from the Qur�an saying? Islam and Women

10. Islam is no more or less repressive to women than other world religions. Islam is considered by many as a very progressive religion for women, since many Scriptures address the equality of women and men. According to the Koran, men and women are equal before god, and both sexes share equal rights and responsibilities within the faith. Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual who reserves the right to own and dispose of her own property and earnings, and she is permitted to either keep her family name or adopt her husband�s when she marries. Islam and Women guarantees freedom of religion, worship and expression; the right to assemble and organize political parties; and the right to vote and demonstrate. It prohibits discrimination based on religion, gender or nationality as well as arbitrary arrest or detention. A year ago "none of those protections could have been imagined by the Iraqi people. Today, they're real," says Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, "It's an historic moment in history, one that shows the power of freedom."guarantees freedom of religion, worship and expression; the right to assemble and organize political parties; and the right to vote and demonstrate. It prohibits discrimination based on religion, gender or nationality as well as arbitrary arrest or detention. A year ago "none of those protections could have been imagined by the Iraqi people. Today, they're real," says Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, "It's an historic moment in history, one that shows the power of freedom."

11. According to many �Islamic feminists,� Islam is actually a very progressive religion for women, was radically egalitarian for its time, and remains so in some of its scriptures. They contend that Islamic law has evolved in ways that are inimical to gender equality not because it clearly pointed in that direction, but because of selective interpretation by patriarchal leaders and a mingling of Islamic teachings with tribal customs and traditions. Islamic feminists now seek to revive the equality bestowed on women in the religion�s early years by rereading the Koran, putting the Scriptures in context, and disentangling them from tribal practices. ~Isobel Coleman, �Women, Islam, and the New Iraq� What message is Coleman trying to convey in this passage? Islam and Women guarantees freedom of religion, worship and expression; the right to assemble and organize political parties; and the right to vote and demonstrate. It prohibits discrimination based on religion, gender or nationality as well as arbitrary arrest or detention. A year ago "none of those protections could have been imagined by the Iraqi people. Today, they're real," says Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, "It's an historic moment in history, one that shows the power of freedom."guarantees freedom of religion, worship and expression; the right to assemble and organize political parties; and the right to vote and demonstrate. It prohibits discrimination based on religion, gender or nationality as well as arbitrary arrest or detention. A year ago "none of those protections could have been imagined by the Iraqi people. Today, they're real," says Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, "It's an historic moment in history, one that shows the power of freedom."

12. Interpretation of Islamic Law While the Qur�an has about 80 verses concerning legal issues, many of which refer to the role of women in society and to important family issues (i.e. marriage, divorce, inheritance), other day-to-day issues are not addressed or are addressed very broadly and thus are interpreted. Sharia is the body of Islamic law that was developed by religious scholars after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Sharia is meant to provide moral and legal guidance to Muslims and is based on the Qur�an and the Sunna (recorded traditions or customs of the Prophet). Since Sharia�s prescriptions and prohibitions can be broad, the application in practice varies. Islamic scholars (known as ulama) have elaborated systems of law on the basis of these rules and their interpretations. It is in such interpretations where conservative positions can be applied, or a more modern notion can be applied. What can be problematic about such interpretation (in all religions)? Some of this view is based on stereotypcial views we have of religions we do not understand.Some of this view is based on stereotypcial views we have of religions we do not understand.

13. Interpretation and the imposing of conservative positions on Islam can result in women�s rights being limited in some cases: Both men and women are expected to dress in a simple, modest, and dignified manner according to Islam, but the dress in some Islamic countries reflects local customs more than it does religious principle. Likewise, the treatment of women in some areas of the Islamic world reflects cultural practices that are inconsistent with, if not contrary to, authentic Islamic teachings. While Islamic attitudes on the question of Islam and modern notions of women�s rights vary, Islamic feminists now seek to revive the equality bestowed on women in the religion�s early years by rereading the Koran, putting the Scriptures in context, and disentangling them from tribal practices. �The widespread view that Iraq�s violence, sectarianism, and systematic erosion of women�s rights is inherent to Muslim or Iraqi culture just isn�t true. � ~Nadje Al-Ali, Iraqi feminist Interpretation of Islamic Law guarantees freedom of religion, worship and expression; the right to assemble and organize political parties; and the right to vote and demonstrate. It prohibits discrimination based on religion, gender or nationality as well as arbitrary arrest or detention. A year ago "none of those protections could have been imagined by the Iraqi people. Today, they're real," says Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, "It's an historic moment in history, one that shows the power of freedom."guarantees freedom of religion, worship and expression; the right to assemble and organize political parties; and the right to vote and demonstrate. It prohibits discrimination based on religion, gender or nationality as well as arbitrary arrest or detention. A year ago "none of those protections could have been imagined by the Iraqi people. Today, they're real," says Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, "It's an historic moment in history, one that shows the power of freedom."

14. A Decline of Rights for Iraqi Women Over Recent Decades Each decade in Iraq seems to have become worse than the previous one in terms of women�s rights. Under the regime of Saddam Hussein, the rights afforded to women were progressively limited each decade. While there have been positive outcomes in Iraq since the 2003 US invasion, unfortunately women�s rights have continued to decline. Many Iraqi feminists claim that women are denied more civil and social rights and been victim to more abuses than they have in the past 60 years. Does this surprise you? Why or why not?

15. The Rise of Saddam Hussein & the Baath Party In 1968, the Baath Party, under President Bakr, seized power in Iraq. Saddam Hussein, a member of the Baath Party, became Deputy Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council. This position placed him as second in power in the Baath Party He was in charge of internal Iraqi security By 1973, Hussein was Vice President of Iraq under President Bakr. Throughout the 1970s, Hussein consolidated his power, placing many family members and people from his hometown in important positions in the Iraqi government and military. Why do you think Saddam Hussein did this?

16. In 1979, President Bakr resigned under pressure from Hussein, who then became president. Immediately after Hussein�s succession in 1979, he called a Baath Party meeting and had all of his opposition systematically murdered. As president, Hussein continued to reinforce his power base by enlarging security forces and employing family members in the govt. It has been estimated that as of 1984, 50 % of Iraqis were either employed by the government or military or had a family member who was. What effect do you think this had on Iraq�s government? Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,239897,00.htmlSource: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,239897,00.html

17. Life in Iraq Under Hussein�s Rule With 50% of Iraqis working for the government, the population was intimately connected to and dominated by Hussein. Hussein�s authoritarian regime was a terrible dictatorship throughout which many human rights atrocities were committed. People were tortured and terrorized for over two decades and hundreds of thousands died as a result of Saddam's actions. Saddam had approximately 40 of his own relatives murdered. The war that Saddam waged against Iraq (1980-88 ) left 150,000 to 340,000 Iraqis and 450,000 to 730,000 Iranians dead. He waged chemical attacks on Kurdish villages, killing thousands. Human Rights Watch reported that Saddam's 1987-1988 campaign of terror against the Kurds killed at least 50,000 and possibly as many as 100,000 Kurds. In 2001, Amnesty International reported: "Victims of torture in Iraq are subjected to a wide range of forms of torture, including the gouging out of eyes, severe beatings and electric shocks... some victims have died as a result and many have been left with permanent physical and psychological damage." Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,239897,00.htmlSource: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,239897,00.html

18. While Saddam Hussein committed many atrocities, initially some of his policies were actually favorable to women. Saddam created a Western-style secular legal system, making Iraq the only country in the Persian Gulf region not ruled according to traditional Islamic law (sharia) Under this system, to the consternation of Islamic conservatives, Saddam's government declared that citizens were equal regardless of sex, blood, language, social origin, or religion. The constitution drafted in 1970 guaranteed women the right to vote, attend school, own property and run for political office. Women held high-level government and industry jobs. As decades passed however, the status of women under Hussein�s rule became worse.

19. 1970s: During the first decade of the Baath Regime (1970s) the govt. promoted women entering the education sector and labor force. This was not due to any progressive views on the part of the Hussein regime; it was circumstantial. Iraq was experiencing an economic boom during this time and thus many jobs were in need of being filled. Since 50% of Iraq�s population were women, the government encouraged women to work. Hussein�s speeches in the 1970s contain many references to the �good Iraqi woman� being an educated, working woman. Policies were created to help women be successful, such as free childcare, transportation to/from work or school, maternity benefits, etc.

20. 1980s: The onset of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-99) brought about a toughening of the state�s position towards women. On one hand, due to men being away fighting the war, women were needed even more to enter the workforce and fill the jobs men typically did. However, Hussein�s message changed during the 80s and he began stating that a woman�s role was to bear children. His speeches now referred to the �good Iraqi woman� as a good mother to a soldier. In 1985, Hussein stated that every woman should have five children and the government actively tried to increase fertility. For example, mass weddings would be sponsored by the government, where hundreds of couples would be married at once. Women were having and raising large families and working; they were expected to be �superwomen.� Why do you think Hussein�s message changed? In general in cases of war, "women carried the conflicting double burden of being the main motors of the state bureaucracy and the public sector, the main breadwinners and heads of households but also the mothers of 'future soldiers�.�

21. 1990s: The Gulf War/Desert Storm took place from 1990-1991 Economic sanctions were imposed on Iraq in an effort to get Hussein to comply. Iraq was blocked from any outside resources or assistance, except for medicine and, in humanitarian circumstances, food items. The sanctions (which lasted until 2003) had a devastating impact on Iraq and have been considered the toughest, most comprehensive sanctions in human history. It has been argued that the sanctions increased child-and-infant mortality, poverty, & suffering inflicted on the Iraqi people. In an attempt to maintain legitimacy after the Gulf War and appease conservative patriarchal constituencies in Iraq, Hussein began implementing anti-woman legislation, such as the 1990 presidential decree granting immunity to men who had committed �honour" crimes. With the legalization of honour killings, Hussein further undermined women's roles and their social status in the society.

22. 1990s (cont.): A 60% unemployment rate developed in Iraq and an economic crisis ensued, which led to greater social conservatism. Hussein�s speeches now referred to �good Iraqi women� as being those who stayed home. The previous resources provided to women were taken away and women were now expected to stay home and keep house. Due to the various conflicts and wars, 70% of families in Iraq now had women as the head of the household. Thus, to avoid poverty, women were often forced into begging or prostitution to care for their large families. A change in women�s dress code occurred in 1990s, with women expected to dress more conservatively.

23. Women�s Rights in IraqPart II

24. Democracy Shuttle, by Larry Wright Source: http://www.politicalcartoons.com Democracy Shuttle, by Larry Wright Source: http://www.politicalcartoons.com

25. �The advance of women�s rights and the advance of liberty are ultimately inseparable.� President George Bush, 3/14/04

26. 2003 - Invasion of Iraq March 20, 2003 marked the beginning of the Iraq War (also known as Operation Iraqi Freedom), an invasion led by troops from the United States and the United Kingdom. Prior to the war, the US and UK claimed that Iraq's alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) posed a security threat. After investigation following the invasion, the US-led Iraq Survey Group concluded that Iraq had ended its nuclear, chemical, and biological programs in 1991 and had no active programs at the time of the invasion, but that they intended to resume production if the Iraq sanctions were lifted. Some US officials also accused Hussein of harboring and supporting al-Qaeda, but no evidence of an operation connection was ever found. The invasion of Iraq led to an occupation and the capture of Hussein, who was later executed by the new Iraqi government. Violence against coalition forces and among various sectarian groups soon led to the Iraqi insurgency, strife between many Sunni and Shia Iraqi groups, and al-Qaeda operations in Iraq.

27. 2003 - Invasion of Iraq Women in Iraq have suffered and bravely endured throughout its history of dictatorship, war, sanctions, etc. Initially after the 2003 invasion, Iraq saw a collapse of normal, every day life. The wide scale destruction of the Iraq's infrastructure (i.e. sanitation, water supply, and electricity) as a result of war and sanctions negatively impacted women. To survive, women had to assume extra burdens and domestic responsibilities in society, as opposed to their male counterparts. For example, when looting and lawlessness were rampant, it was women who would mobilize and clean up the looted school or care for patients at the abandoned hospital.

28. Increase in Violence As repressive attitudes against women have re-emerged, atrocities against women have risen. Since 2005, violence against Iraqi women has increased. Throughout the US occupation, many women have been injured in violence related to area bombardments, random shootings, gender specific violence, verbal & physical harassment during random house searches and checkpoints. Mothers/wives of suspected insurgents have reported being harassed, with accounts of torture and rape. Various rules regarding women have been enforced, such as prohibiting them from working or driving. In late 2004, classrooms at Basrah University were separated by gender; such a step was previously unheard of. Women are also being used to make a statement against the West and imperialism � (i.e., attitudes such as �We in Iraq will not be like the West � we will control our women�, which lead to violence against Iraqi women.)

29. Hijab in Iraq � The Veil The veil (also referred to as hijab) plays a major role in Muslim culture for many women in Iraq. Some women choose to wear hijab for religious reasons. For other women, the veil has lost its significance but is a habit/tradition that they find difficult to discard and thus choose to continue wearing. There are also many women who do not wear hijab by choice, and would rather dress in a more modern fashion. However, according to Iraqi feminist Yanar Mohammed, since 2003 "Iraqi women have been brutally attacked, kidnapped and intimidated from participating in the Iraqi society�War and occupation have cost Iraqi women their legal standing and their everyday freedom of dress and movement". Various sectarian groups have thus taken it upon themselves to enforce the wearing of hijab in a violent way, taking away women�s choice. Many Iraqi women, due to their fear of being raped and harassed, are having to wear not only a veil but also complete black dress in order not to attract attention. In 2004, leaflets were distributed regarding conservative dress requirements for women; they were told they must wear hijab. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_IraqSource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_Iraq

30. �Honour Killings� A so-called �honor killing� occurs when a family feels that their female relative has tarnished their reputation by what they loosely term �immoral behavior�. This perceived dishonor is normally the result of: dress codes unacceptable to the family (not wearing hijab, wearing make-up, etc.) wanting out of an arranged marriage or choosing to marry by own choice being suspected of having engaged in premarital sex being the victim of sexual violence or being suspected of being such a victim (i.e., rape, incest, etc.) Women in Iraq are kidnapped for sexual exploitation. While many are murdered, those raped and released are not necessarily safe since the response of some families has been to kill her. The person chosen by the family to carry out the murder (usually male: a brother, father, cousin, husband, etc.) brutally ends their female relative's life to �cleanse the family of the shame she brought upon them.� Source: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=75714 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10543975Source: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=75714 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10543975

31. �Honour Killings� According to calculations by the UN, over five thousand women are murdered each year in the name of honor � that is 13 women every day. It is difficult to get exact numbers, since many of these murders go unreported and the perpetrators unpunished due to the acts being �justified� in the name of family honor. In its reports on human rights in Iraq, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq has regularly highlighted �honour killings� as one of Iraq�s most serious human rights abuses. It has urged the judiciary to send a clear signal that the killing of women to �protect honour� will not be tolerated.  Source: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=75714 and http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10543975 Source: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=75714 and http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10543975

32. Iraq�s New Government With the overthrow of Sadaam Hussein in March 2003, Shiite leaders made it clear that they expected the �new Iraq� to be an Islamic state. This meant that rather than following secular law (laws not pertaining to religion), Iraq would be governed by sharia (Islamic religious law). Remember that how sharia plays out for women�s rights is largely based upon interpretation. Many feminists thus believe the new constitution in Iraq, with its foundation in Islamic sharia law but more importantly based on the agenda of those governing, has resulted in women losing the civil and social rights guaranteed to men. For example, in December 2003, the conservative Iraqi Governing Council (appointed by the US) decided to abolish the Personal Status Law. Resolution 137, which canceled Iraq�s existing family laws and placed such issues under the rules of sharia The Resolution was very vague and implied that each Islamic community could impose its own rules on issues such as marriage, divorce, and other important family matters Why do you think Resolution 137 worried women�s groups? guarantees freedom of religion, worship and expression; the right to assemble and organize political parties; and the right to vote and demonstrate. It prohibits discrimination based on religion, gender or nationality as well as arbitrary arrest or detention. A year ago "none of those protections could have been imagined by the Iraqi people. Today, they're real," says Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, "It's an historic moment in history, one that shows the power of freedom."guarantees freedom of religion, worship and expression; the right to assemble and organize political parties; and the right to vote and demonstrate. It prohibits discrimination based on religion, gender or nationality as well as arbitrary arrest or detention. A year ago "none of those protections could have been imagined by the Iraqi people. Today, they're real," says Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, "It's an historic moment in history, one that shows the power of freedom."

33. Representation of Women In the Spring of 2004, a Delegation of Iraqi Women noted that women had been instrumental in keeping the city together throughout war and sanctions and demanded representation in the new government. The women lobbied for a quota requiring 40% representation in all of Iraq�s government institutions, they were granted 25%. While such representation is a step in the right direction, in practice it is not implemented on all levels of government. Likewise, Iraqi women�s activists have questioned who the women representatives actually are. Initially, the representatives were the wives and daughters of conservative male politicians; most had never been involved in politics before and were not concerned about women�s rights. During the first years they were part of Parliament the women representatives literally followed the lead of male voters. However, some women representatives have started to develop their own views and challenge male politicians. How does a 25% representation of women� in Iraq�s government compare to representation of women in the US government?

34. Voting As �democracy� was implemented in Iraq, images of success, such as women casting votes in Iraq�s elections, were shown around the world. However, many Iraqi feminists maintained that this was NOT the beginning of true democracy. They contended that women voting may have been a symbol of hope, but that in actuality many didn�t know who or what they were voting for. What can be done to help Iraqi women be educated voters and ensure the principles of democracy are reached?

35. Listen� Iraqi Women Face Greater Danger, Fewer Rights http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18518858 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_IraqSource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_Iraq

36. Progress Women�s organizations strive to help improve the rights of women in Iraq and assist those being persecuted. The Organization of Women's Freedom has set up a network of women's shelters, along with a kind of Iraqi Underground Railroad, to protect women who have been abused or become targets of "honor killings.� Many of the employees have had to leave the country due to death threats, but the organization continues to fight for women�s rights. Despite threats, the Iraqi Women�s Network still has over 80 women�s organizations who work across ethnic and religious differences to improve the rights and lives of Iraqi women.

37. Progress There are encouraging stories of progress and hope coming out of Iraq. Iraq�s infrastructure and economy is being rebuilt and humanitarian assistance and charities are promoting the health and well-being of Iraqi people. The US can also play a constructive role in assisting Iraqi women, such as: Aid Iraqi women�s groups Support Iraqi business women Support the education of Iraqi women (�female education may be the best way to advance the status of women�) Assist with judicial reform in Iraq (i.e., training judges, especially women, in modern Islamic jurisprudence) To help women defend their rights, educate Iraqis about what their rights are � both under the new Constitution and sharia Why is knowing what your rights are an important step in defending yourself? Which of the above do you think has the most potential in improving the situation of Iraq�s women?

38. Democracy Shuttle, by Larry Wright Source: http://www.politicalcartoons.com Democracy Shuttle, by Larry Wright Source: http://www.politicalcartoons.com

39. Resources