Civil Society Dialogue Convenes in Baghdad to Advance Women’s Political Participation Ahead of Iraq’s 2025 Elections
Date:
Baghdad, 18 September 2025 – The Government of Iraq, through the National Directorate for Iraqi Women (NDIW), the Permanent Committee for Supporting Iraqi Women in Politics, and supported by UN Women, convened a multi-stakeholder dialogue with civil society organizations (CSOs) to strengthen community support for women’s political participation in the run-up to Iraq’s national elections scheduled for November 2025.
The consultation brought together government officials, representatives from CSOs, and the UN system, to discuss ways to advance women’s leadership ahead of the 2025 CoR elections and prevent violence against women in politics (VAWP).
In her opening remarks, Dr. Yosra Kareem Mohsin, General Director - National Directorate for Iraqi Women and head of the Permanent Committee for Supporting Iraqi Women in Politics, underscored the Government’s commitment to empowering women as equal partners in political life. Stating “The success of women in the upcoming elections does not depend on laws and procedures alone, but is deeply tied to transforming social awareness and public attitudes toward women’s participation in political life.”
Ms. Janneke Van Der Graaff - Kukler, UN Women Deputy Regional Director for the Arab States, reaffirmed UN Women’s support in advancing inclusive political processes across Iraq, “Women’s participation in politics is not just about numbers - it is about shaping the future of Iraq with the voices, leadership, and priorities of half its population.”
Thematic sessions addressed public narratives, community mobilization, and preventing violence against women in politics, as part of implementing Objective 4 of the National Plan to Support Women’s Political Participation, in line with the Permanent Committee’s mandate. Sessions also provided an opportunity for all CSOs present to highlight their plans and work undertaken prior to elections.
At the conclusion of the consultation, participants exchanged their experiences in supporting women’s political participation and agreed to share concrete recommendations and actions to enhance community support for women candidates and voters, strengthen collaboration between CSOs and government counterparts, and ensure effective prevention and response to violence against women in politics (VAWP) throughout the electoral process.
“Today’s dialogue reaffirmed the importance of collective action to dismantle barriers to women’s participation in politics and ensure their voices are heard and represented in decision-making,” said Ms. Janneke Van Der Graaff - Kukler