Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq

Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq
Leader Yanar Mohammed
Founded 2003
Headquarters Baghdad, Iraq
Ideology Secularism
Communism
Marxism
Workerist
Socialist feminism
Feminism
Egalitarianism
Iraqi nationalism
Anti-Islamism
Political position Left-wing
Affiliated Worker-Communist Party of Iraq
Colors Red

The Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) is an organization which campaigns in favour of women's rights in Iraq, and against political Islam. It was founded in 2003. Its director is Yanar Mohammed, who is also a co-founder of the organization. The OWFI works together with the Worker-Communist Party of Iraq.[1][2]

Background

For a period of time stretching from the 1950s until the 1970s Iraqi women had the ability to exercise several rights such as the right to work, receive an education, initiate marriage and divorce, and dress freely.[3] These rights were rescinded when Islamic Sharia Law was enacted. Women were now required to follow an extremely modest and rigid dress code and most of their civil and social rights were taken away.[4][3] Honor killings became more prevalent, as Iraq does not currently have any laws holding men accountable for these deaths, which leaves Iraqi women vulnerable and without much protection.[4] Based on data gathered by the United Nations, violence towards women in Iraq has increased, making them vulnerable to murder, rape, and kidnapping.[4]

The Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq was founded as a way to advocate for these issues and provide protection for vulnerable and at risk women. To aid women in jeopardy of honor killing or other acts of violence the organization has developed shelters for these women to find sanctuary and safety.[5] The first shelter to be established is located in Baghdad.[5] Subsequently, four other shelters have been established as well.

Advocacy and recognition

The Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq has reported that they have saved the lives of thirty women who were targeted for honor killings.[4]

In 2017, Jannat Al Ghezi, who is a deputy director, and responsible for the organization's network of shelters for battered women was awarded an International Women of Courage Award in Washington DC.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-02-19. Retrieved 2007-03-08.
  2. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-04-28. Retrieved 2007-03-08.
  3. 1 2 "In Iraq, Activist Struggles as Women's Rights Shrink". NPR.org. Retrieved 2017-10-11.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Fighting for women's rights in Iraq - CNN.com". www.cnn.com. Retrieved 2017-10-11.
  5. 1 2 Ensler, Eve (2015-10-19). "An Interview With Iraqi Women's Leader Yanar Mohammed of the Organization for Women's Freedom in Iraq". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2017-10-11.
  6. ↑ "Biographies of the Finalists for the 2017 International Women of Courage Awards". www.state.gov. Retrieved 2017-08-26.


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