Shafaq News- Baghdad
A dedicated Ministry for Women is needed to strengthen Iraqi femaleparticipation in public life and decision-making, the Iraq Center for HumanRights said on Thursday, citing ongoing social and economic challenges facingwomen in the country.
In a statement, it noted that Iraqi women have long played an activerole in education, health care, public service, and community development,while also contributing to family stability and social cohesion.
“Such contributions warrant stronger state-level coordination andsupport,’’ the center argued, pointing to international models wheregovernments have established ministries dedicated to women’s issues, typicallycoordinating programs covering employment, education, social protection,political participation, and measures to address domestic violence.
Earlier this month, Iraq’s parliament approved Prime Minister Alial-Zaidi’s government and cabinet program, granting confidence to 14ministerial nominees by absolute majority vote. In the new lineup, SarwaAbulwahid remains the sole female minister, taking on the Environmentportfolio, down from three in the previous administration of Mohammed Shiaal-Sudani. The remaining portfolios, still awaiting final appointments, couldstill include additional women ministers.
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