ŞÎNYAR BAYÎZ

Sulaymaniyah- Although the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has laws protecting women from violence, women face difficulties after they report violence because these laws are not effectively implemented. Lawyer Eşwaq Necîb says women’s rights are violated in the region, stressing that women should get to know their rights.

Eşwaq Necîb thinks women only consult a lawyer when they face problems. “The laws are male because the substance of the rules systematically favors men. When women know their rights, their rights are protected by the laws so women must get to know their rights. In the region, most women do not know anything about their rights,” she said in an interview with NuJINHA.

‘Women’s rights are ignored’

Eşwaq Necîb emphasized that not only women but also men should know the laws, “Since most women do not know anything about their rights, their rights in marriage are ignored. More awareness-raising activities should be carried out to prevent domestic violence and sexual abuse.”

‘Women are prevented from learning their rights’

 Eşwaq Necîb also mentioned the rights of women in divorce cases. “Women do not know what they should do when they want to get a divorce. Since they are not aware of their rights, they cannot file a divorce. That’s why they cannot demand their rights when they face a family problem or when they are subjected to domestic violence. Their families or spouses often do not allow them to attend activities and programs on their rights.”