ŞÎRÎN SALIH

Sulaymaniyah- Violence against women has increased in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, like in many countries, due to lack of protective and preventive measures. Sociologist Şox Ismail thinks that although awareness against violence against women has been created in the Kurdistan region compared to the past, it is insufficient to end gender-based violence.

‘Family violence can lead to early marriage’

Şox Ismail points out that family violence can lead to early marriage. “One of the reasons why young women get married at an early age is psychological violence by their families. Young women think that they are a burden for their families,” she told NuJINHA.

‘More awareness-raising activities should be carried out’

She added, “After marriage, young women are subjected to violence by their spouses. Young women face social pressure after they graduate from high school. Early marriage and forced marriage are one of the reasons for the increase in violence against women. More awareness-raising activities should be carried out to prevent early marriages and forced marriages.”