PM Barzani emphasizes importance of women's rights, combating GBV
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani reiterated his government's commitment to protecting women's rights and combating gender-based violence during a speech marking International Women's Day on Tuesday.
Barzani delivered the speech at an event called 'Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow' organized in Erbil.
A number of the Kurdistan Region's leading female figures participated in the event, sharing their success stories. Attendees also included members of the international community and the United Nations' women's agency.
"The Kurdistan Regional Government will strongly combat all forms of violence, particularly against women," Prime Minister Barzani said, reiterating his government's commitment to protecting women's rights.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani is delivering a speech at the 'Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow' event in capital Erbil. #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) March 8, 2022
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He condemned the "notorious phenomena" of violence against women in Kurdish society.
Barzani said that his government is working towards eliminating gender-based violence through empowering women in various sectors, including the government, by creating equal job opportunities, implementing laws, further strengthening the courts' role, and putting the perpetrators of violence on trial.
The prime minister began his speech by highlighting the remarkable role played by Kurdish women in Kurdish society throughout history, especially during the nation's struggle against oppressive regimes.
"During Kurdistan's uprisings and revolutions, female Peshmergas showed courage, sacrifice, and bravery, and defended their nation alongside their fellow male Peshmergas," Barzani said.
He pointed out that women are participating more in various fields, especially in government and other top institutions.
The prime minister also noted that the number of women in leadership positions dramatically increased in his cabinet.
Addressing the issues of violence and discrimination against women, Barzani said solving this problem requires collective efforts from all parts of society, not just the government.
"We shall also work to eliminate all forms of gender discrimination by creating a stable and suitable environment for all the society's individuals," he said. "Women shall have their dignified positions to play their role in accordance with their abilities."
Bayan Othman, the mother whose three sons were killed repelling an ISIS attack on Makhmour late last year, was one of the key speakers at the event.
Following the sacrifice of her sons, President Masoud Barzani of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) called her a "lioness".
"No matter what we do, we cannot compensate you, except by continuing on the sacred path and being ready to sacrifice for our people and homeland as your martyred sons did," Barzani told the mother.
A Yezidi woman who clears landmines and explosives in her war-torn area also delivered a speech.
"Despite all the atrocities, tyranny, and unfairness the Yezidi women have suffered, they have not given up and become a source of inspiration for all of us," Barzani said.
The prime minister also said he was delighted to see leading female figures participating in the event and sharing their success stories.
"I am confident that we can have a more prosperous Kurdistan through increased and active participation of women," he said.