ŞÎRÎN SALIH

Sulaymaniyah- The cases of violence against women keep increasing in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Kurdistan Women's Union Committee member Beyan Mihemed spoke to NuJINHA about the reasons for the increase in gender-based violence in the region. “The cases of violence against women and femicide have increased compared to previous years. The reasons for the increase in these cases are that women do not have economic independence; women are ignored in society; the patriarchal mentality, traditions and customs.”

 ‘Men usurp women's rights in politics’

Beyan Mihemed thinks some women’s organizations keep silent against gender-based violence due to “threats”. Emphasizing that men who do not accept successful women usurp women’s rights in politics, she said, “Women’s issues are not talked about at the parliament because only several women hold seats in the parliament. If more women held high positions in politics, many problems faced by women would be solved.”

‘Awareness-raising activities must be carried out’

Beyan Mihemed expressed that the reason for the low women’s political participation is the patriarchal mentality.

“Women should raise their voices against rights violations and demand their rights. There is no law protecting women in the Kurdistan Region. We can change this by carrying out awareness-raising activities. Women should remain silent against gender-based violence. NGOs should hold awareness-raising seminars and workshops to teach men that women are also a part of this society.”