Championing Women’s Rights in Iraq: A Conversation with Mrs. Dhefaf Al-Jarah, President of the Iraqi Foundation for Democracy and Human Rights Reinforcement

For International Women’s Day 2025, #UNWomenIraq sat down with Dhefaf Al-Jarah, President of the #IraqiFoundationForDemocracyAndHumanRightsReinforcement, Board of directors’ member of Ain Network for election observations, member and representative of civil society organizations of the high committee for supporting women politically, board of directors’ members of the Iraqi network for human rights and member of human rights trainers league, to discuss her journey in advancing women’s rights, justice, and leadership in Iraq. From breaking barriers to creating lasting impact, Al-Jarah shares her insights on empowering women and shaping a more just and inclusive society.

Tell us about the Iraqi Foundation for Democracy and Human Rights Reinforcement and its role in promoting women’s rights in Iraq?

The Iraqi Foundation is an institution dedicated to promoting democracy and human rights, with a special focus on women’s rights.

For many years, we have been working on women’s empowerment programs and designing training initiatives. In addition, supporting the legislation that protects women’s rights and promotes their participation in political and economic field. Our mission revolves around achieving justice between women and men and enhancing women’s role to become an active key factor to community development. We focus on providing technical support, building capacity, and raising awareness on women’s rights.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you and your foundation?

International Women’s Day is an occasion to remind the world of the importance of justice and the enhancing women’s role. For us, it is a day to honor women and girls’ achievements and to reaffirm our commitment to continue working towards achieving the full justice we aspire to and strive for.

What drives your passion for women’s empowerment, and can you share an example of how your work has made a difference?

A deep belief in women’s ability to drive positive change has been the driving force behind my work. Women are not just part of the solution—they are the solution. Recognizing the challenges they face, from violence to discrimination, has motivated our team to develop practical solutions that empower and uplift them. Empowering women is essential to building a strong and stable society.

One of our most impactful initiatives is a training program focused on politically empowering young women. As part of this effort, we launched an interactive map to monitor violations against female candidates during elections, providing a platform for them to speak up and demand accountability. This initiative has led to real change—several of our trainees successfully won parliamentary and provincial council seats, proving that when women are given the tools and support they need, they rise to leadership. Our success would not have been possible without the support of the government, High Council of Women and the National Directorate for Iraqi Women and the Political Women’s Support Committee, who have been key partners in this journey.

What are the biggest challenges for women in Iraq today?

After many years, I can say that the nature and extent of challenges have decreased significantly compared to before. However, challenges remain, some of the most challenges are the limited educational and economic opportunities, as well as societal customs and traditions. The foundation is committed to address these challenges through awareness programs, trainings, and supporting legislations that strengthens women’s rights.

What key steps should be taken to strengthen women’s participation and rights in Iraq?

Collaboration between civil society, the government, and the international community is essential to overcoming the challenges faced by women in Iraq. By working together, we can support legislation that upholds justice, secure funding for women’s empowerment programs, and raise awareness of the critical role women play in all aspects of society. Joint efforts are key to achieving tangible and lasting results.

While the quota system has increased women’s representation in parliament, there is still a pressing need to enhance their participation in senior leadership positions and ensure they have a meaningful role in decision-making. We advocate for stronger legal protections for women’s rights, greater investment in economic empowerment initiatives, and improved access to education and healthcare for women and girls. Additionally, it is crucial to create a safe environment free from violence and to promote societal awareness of the importance of women’s active participation in all fields.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to be leaders in Iraq?

My constant advice to ambitious young women is to believe in their abilities and not be afraid of challenges. Education and continuous learning are the keys to achieve success. Additionally, benefiting from the experiences of pioneering women who have preceded them in this journey, and fostering intergenerational dialogue, are essential for building a better future. It is also important to strengthen connections, build networks, and the mutual support among women across various fields. Be a voice for change and work together to achieve justice, do not hesitate to demand your rights and create opportunities for yourselves and others. In short, be a support to one another.