CIVICUS discusses women’s and girls’ rights in Iraq with Mohammed Juma, a lawyer and human rights defender based in Baghdad.

Iraq’s parliament, dominated by conservative Shia Muslim parties, is set to vote on controversial amendments to the 1959 Personal Status Law that could lower the minimum age for marriage to nine and remove women’s rights to divorce, custody and inheritance. The changes would legalise and intensify rights violations against women and girls and deepen sectarian divisions. Civil society fears Iraq could be moving closer to the model of gender apartheid imposed in Afghanistan and Iran.

What’s life like for women and girls in Iraq?

The context is one of political instability, armed conflict and inadequate legal protection. Conservative religious and tribal norms strongly influence social attitudes, creating barriers for women, legitimising violence against them and preventing access to justice.

Iraqi women and girls face systemic gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, domestic violence, honour-based violence and trafficking. The lack of legislation on domestic violence leaves many women vulnerable. Harmful practices such as forced and child marriage further entrench inequality.

Women in Iraq also face significant barriers against accessing education, jobs and political participation. Many women face workplace harassment, unequal pay and limited career opportunities. Reproductive health services are inadequate, leaving many without basic support. Although there has been some progress in recent decades, gains have been limited and fragile.

How would the proposed changes to the Personal Status Law worsen the situation?

The proposed amendments represent a significant setback for women’s rights, as they would institutionalise gender inequality and violate constitutional guarantees of equality.

One of the most alarming aspects is the endorsement of child marriage, which deprives young girls of their childhood, education and autonomy. Child marriage often exposes girls to violence and exploitation, with minimal legal protection. Even if the government claims the law is in line with cultural values, child marriage violates international human rights standards and perpetuates systemic inequality.

Another concern is the potential erosion of women’s inheritance rights. Current laws ensure that women receive a share of their husband’s estate, but the proposed changes could make inheritance dependent on the husband’s will, leaving women economically dependent and more vulnerable.

The legalisation of ‘temporary’ or ‘pleasure’ marriages is another worrying provision. These arrangements often exploit women and do not provide long-term security or autonomy. The amendments would also make it harder for women to seek divorce, even in cases of abuse, trapping them in potentially harmful situations.

Overall, the amendments violate Iraq’s constitutional commitment to equality and non-discrimination. They undermine the post-Saddam legal framework’s commitment to civil equality and create a system where women’s rights are conditional and subordinate to patriarchal norms.

How is civil society responding?

Civil society, particularly women’s rights organisations and activists, has reacted strongly against the proposed amendments, recognising their serious consequences for women and girls. Coalitions of rights groups, legal experts and activists have organised protests, despite the dangerous environment.

Activists have taken to the streets in solidarity and rallied public support. They have launched public campaigns and taken to social media to raise awareness of the implications of the amendments, helping people see them as an attack on women’s rights and a step backwards for Iraqi society. By stimulating public dialogue, they aim to change societal perspectives and mobilise grassroots opposition. They have also lobbied, sought alliances with sympathetic legislators and used their networks to call on international bodies to intervene.

But civil society faces significant challenges. The repressive environment exposes activists to threats, harassment and violence, while conservative groups often accuse them of undermining Islamic values or promoting foreign agendas. This makes their work increasingly dangerous. Yet civil society perseveres.

How can the international community help?

The international community has a crucial role to play in supporting Iraq’s women’s rights movement and urging the government to uphold its constitutional obligations. Diplomatic pressure from international bodies such as the United Nations and the European Union could help bring global attention to the issue, making it harder for the government to proceed unchecked.

Equally important is practical support for local civil society groups. To challenge the proposed changes, these organisations need funding, legal support and training. Security measures for activists under threat should also be prioritised.

In addition, alignment of aid and development programmes with gender equality principles can empower women through access to education, economic opportunities and legal protection. By standing with Iraqi women and girls, the international community can help protect their rights and promote a more just and equitable society.