Updated March 13, 2006 - Federation of American Scientists

1 Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RL32376 Women in iraq :Background and Issues for PolicyUpdated March 13, 2006 Aaron D. PinaAnalyst in Middle East Religions and CulturesForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionWomen in iraq :Background and Issues for PolicySummaryThe issue of women s rights in iraq has taken on new relevance, following invasion of iraq in 2003, efforts to reconstruct iraq , and recent elections fora Transitional National Assembly (TNA).

2 Over the past three years, the BushAdministration has reiterated its interest in ensuring that Iraqi women participate inpolitics and ongoing reconstruction efforts in iraq . There has also been a wideningdebate regarding the extent to which the reconstruction efforts have beenable to enhance women s rights in iraq and encourage their participation in iraq sgoverning institutions. According to some observers, political uncertainty, conservative Iraqi culture,and an increase in popular religious activism, has called into question the futureinvolvement of Iraqi women in nation-building and their role in public life.

3 Also,Iraqis, in general, and Iraqi women, in particular, have complained that the volatilesecurity situation and continuing insurgency have contributed to a deterioration intheir status. Others note that Iraqi women are making inroads into the politicalprocess, citing the example of the January 30, 2005 national election, which resultedin Iraqi women gaining 87 out of 275 seats in the TNA. While Iraqi women captured31% of Assembly seats, a primary challenge will be the drafting of a new permanentconstitution, which some feel must institutionalize the rights of women as equalcitizens in the state of iraq .

4 Another challenge Iraqi policymakers face is how to bestensure Iraqi women are represented in traditionally male-dominated areas such as thejudiciary, state ministries, and local commitment to Iraqi women s issues has evolved into greaterprogramming for women in iraq . As part of the approximately $21 billion in for Iraqi reconstruction in FY2004, the United States allocated substantialamounts that specifically help Iraqi women with democratic organization, education ,advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Still, Iraqi reconstruction projectsthat address women s issues face challenges.

5 Although women may benefit from arange of reconstruction and humanitarian programs, elements of Iraqi civil societyand culture continue to undervalue the role of women in areas such as politicalparticipation and private industry. Furthermore, issues of personal status, likepolygamy, continue to hamper gender equality in iraq . Related CRS papers include CRS Report RL33227, Assistance to Womenin Afghanistan and iraq : Challenges and Issues for Congress, by Rhoda Margessonand Daniel Kronenfeld; CRS Report RL31339, iraq : Regime Change Effortsand Post-Saddam Governance, by Kenneth Katzman; and CRS Report RL31833, iraq : Recent Developments in Reconstruction Assistance, by Curt Tarnoff.

6 Thisreport will be Updated as events under Baathist Rule (1968-2003)..2 education and Labor ..2 Women and the Government ..3 Deterioration of the Social and Economic Situation ..4 Deterioration of the Legal in Post-Saddam iraq ..6 Governance Under the Coalition Provisional Authority (2003)..6 Iraqi Governing Council (IGC)..6 Women s Rights Under the IGC ..7 Women and the Transition to Iraqi Rule ..8 Current Situation ..9 Elections & New Government ..9 Women s for the United States: Past & Present ..11 Overview ..11 Security ..11 Religious & Cultural Forces Within iraq .

7 12 Threats to Reconstruction Programs .. Programs For Women in iraq .. of Reconstruction Programs for Iraqi Women .. Activities for Iraqi Democracy Initiative (WDI)..16 The National Endowment for Democracy (NED)..16 National Democratic Institute (NDI)..16 The International Republican Institute (IRI)..16 The United States Institute of Peace (USIP)..16 Congressional in iraq : Background and Issues for PolicyThe issue of women s rights in iraq has taken on new relevance, following invasion of iraq in 2003, efforts to reconstruct iraq , and recent elections fora Transitional National Assembly (TNA).

8 One of the major questions facing is the extent to which the United States can help Iraqi womenreintegrate into the political, educational, and economic spheres after a long periodof decline, exacerbated by three major wars and more than a decade of economicsanctions. Advancing the political and social position of women and committingadequate resources to girls education have both been linked to the achievement ofefficient and stable development, particularly in post-conflict regions. Congress has taken an active interest in the issue of women in iraq over the pastfew years.

9 Since March 2004, several congressional Members have participated inthe Iraqi Women s Caucus, with the intention of improving Iraqi women s lives andsupporting women to gain access to educational and professional opportunities. , a bill introduced in the 108th Congress as the Foreign Affairs Authorization ActFY2005, included a section expressing the sense of Congress that the rights ofwomen in iraq , including their full participation in government and society, shouldbe protected following the transfer of sovereignty to iraq in June 2004.

10 Another bill, 143 (also introduced in the 108th Congress), resolved that Congress encourageongoing programs designed to support Iraqi women to participate more fully in ademocratic iraq . No specific earmarks for women s programs have been passed in the currentCongress. The Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related ProgramsAppropriations Act, 2006 ( 3057, 109-102), provides $28 million each tothe International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute to fundgovernance and rule of law programs in iraq . The earlier version of this bill as passedin the Senate had specified that the funding should be spent in the areas of governance, elections, political parties, civil society, and women s rights, but themention of women was not included in the final conference first section of this report provides an overview of Iraqi women s situationunder Baathist rule (1968-2003).