In commemoration of International Women’s Day, which falls on Friday, March 8 this year, the Accepting Others Organization (AOO) partnered with the High Council of Women and Development (HCWD) to organize a Roundtable Discussion. 

This event, entitled “Women’s Role in Decision Making and Political Participation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq” was held on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Divan Hotel in Erbil. 

A majority of the 40 persons in attendance included members from the eight major political parties active across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). However, the event also attracted other actors, such as the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Board in Iraq, national CSOs, a representative from UN Women, and another representative from the US Consulate. 

Dr. Khanzad, General Secretary of the HCWD expressed gratitude for the support extended by the eight political parties attending. She addressed the disparities in women’s participation across various sectors, emphasizing the necessity of implementing strategic plans to increase women’s involvement. Dr. Khanzad also stressed the urgency of collaborative discussions and the formulation of action plans with political parties to empower women and narrow the existing gaps in leadership positions.

Following the meeting, Dr. Khanzad and party members spoke at a press conference to discuss the importance of enhancing women’s roles in decision-making and participation in governance. 

The Roundtable Discussion and the press conference were covered by 21 TV channels from both the KRI and federal Iraq, in addition to four news websites.

Events like these are important as they raise awareness of the importance of women in politics and decision-making roles. Roles traditionally held by a male majority in the KRI and federal Iraq. This event also marks a significant stride towards advancing the status of women in society and elaborating on their contributions to societal development