LONDON: Former Iraqi parliamentarian Rizan al-Sheikh Deir raised the issue of sexual harassment in an on-air interview, highlighting the experiences faced by Iraqi women in various fields, including Parliament House.
In an interview with Iraq’s popular TV show Game of Chairs this week, Delisle expressed concern about the prevalence of sexual harassment, saying that even in parliament, female members are subjected to abusive language and inappropriate jokes. He said that
He said the situation was escalating in many facilities across the country and the lack of deterrence was allowing the conduct to go unchecked.
“Our society is suffering from violence and hatred. I’m second in a society like this, but who will listen to me?” she asked.
Delisle said that the political perspective of women in Iraqi society views women as “weak” who cannot fulfill their roles, and that women are treated as second-class citizens.
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The problem of sexual harassment in Iraq is widespread, with many women reporting facing incidents in both the public and private sectors, in markets, public transport, on the streets, and at work.
The European Union Asylum Agency’s 2021 report reveals the deep-rooted nature of violence against women and girls in Iraqi society, which is exacerbated by discriminatory attitudes within law enforcement and a lack of awareness of women’s rights. revealed.
Despite women holding nearly 30 percent of seats in Congress, a milestone unprecedented since the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, there seems to be confusion among women in positions of power. The silence continues.
A 2018 report found that women who participated in elections faced intimidation, abuse, and the publication of explicit material to discourage them from participating in politics.
High-profile cases of violence against women in the past two years include the murder of 22-year-old YouTube vlogger Tiba Al Ali, who was allegedly strangled by her father, prompting domestic violence laws to be enacted. There are renewed calls for this.
However, since 2015, attempts to pass the bill have faced fierce opposition in parliament on the grounds that it violates Islamic principles, departs from “national values” and is incompatible with Iraqi culture. are doing.
In the media sector, a survey commissioned by the Iraqi Press Freedom Defense Association revealed that 41% of female journalists have experienced harassment.
Of these, 15 percent were forced to leave their jobs, and 5 percent abandoned the profession altogether.
The association noted that in most cases victims are “criminalized, blackmailed and blackmailed” by the heads of media outlets, and that this “phenomenon” has led many successful female professionals in the media to retire. .