Women

16 Days of Activism: PM Barzani says KRG committed to safeguard women’s rights

“We reiterate the commitment of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to protect the Kurdistan women’s rights and combatting violence in general and particularly against women,” the premier said.

Kurdistan 24 2023/11/25 12:00

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani is pictured during a weekly cabinet session in Erbil, Oct. 25, 2023. (Photo: KRG)

Kurdistan KRG Masrour Barzani 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday reiterated his cabinet’s commitment to safeguarding Kurdish women’s rights and combatting gender-based violence, according to a statement.

The KRG is committed to ensuring “the elimination of violence against women through women empowerment in the government” as well as implementing the existing laws, Barzani said in the statement.

The government will strengthen the role of courts and increase arrest and putting perpetrators on trial, the Kurdish leader added.

Barzani’s remarks come as civil society organizations around the globe annually begin their activities on November 25 to mark 16 Days of Activism to advocate for greater protection for women and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) worldwide.

The beginning of the two-week-long activities coincides with the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women and will end on December 10, Human Rights Day.

During an event to celebrate the anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution on Women Peace and Security (WPS), SCR 1325, adopted in October 2000, Prime Minister Barzani attended along with senior KRG officials.

“Our society will truly reach its full potential when every Kurdistani woman enjoys full rights,” he said at the time.