Nour Al-Marsoumi

Baghdad – The conference, titled “Women: A Nation at the Heart of the Homeland,” was held on Friday, August 29, sponsored by parliamentary candidate Dr. Ghusoon Ali Al-Rubaiee, to support Iraqi women and enhance their participation in political life. The conference saw wide attendance from women with limited income and basic educational backgrounds, focusing on raising awareness of their electoral rights and providing guidance on political participation. This raises the question: will such initiatives continue beyond the election campaigns, or are they limited to the campaigning period?

 

Dr. Ghusoun Ali Al-Rubaie, a practicing gynecologist for over 20 years, explained her motivation for entering politics: “Over the past four years, rapid social changes and a noticeable decline in moral values in Iraqi society have led to family breakdowns and deterioration in social relationships. This motivated me to enter politics to contribute to repairing what can be fixed, particularly in supporting women and raising awareness among low-income groups.”

 

Strengthening women’s solidarity

 

Dr. Zeina Abdul-Hurr, an English teacher from Al-Najaf said, “I attended this conference to support women in Iraq and across the Middle East. Women are often marginalized, and we hope to elevate their voices, including in parliament.”

 

The conference mainly featured educational sessions designed to empower women in the long term. The strong turnout of over 700 participants reflected the growing demand for such initiatives. Attendees emphasized the need for sustained programs that reach wider segments of Iraqi women.

 

Amal Al-Azawy, head of the humanitarian organization "Al- Safeh Al-Akhdar”, added: “Women are not just half of society—they are its foundation. They raise future generations, shape leaders, and are central to building a healthy society. Our goal is to continue this transformative path and ensure women can assume their rightful roles.”

 

Support for youth and families

 

Participant Siham Fadel urged the new government to provide employment opportunities for young people and resume social support programs for low-income families. She also called for solutions for homes built in unregulated areas, proposing formalization or compensation to ensure stability.

 

Activist Sawsan Mahmoud Al-Jubouri highlighted the importance of women participating in the upcoming elections and choosing candidates who consistently support citizens, not just during election campaigns. She called for special attention to families of martyrs, particularly students, ensuring access to education and overall welfare.

 

“Women face ongoing challenges in meeting their families’ needs—housing, living conditions, education—and they require both material and moral support,” she said.