Ms. Zahra al-Bachari, Member of Basra Provincial Council, noted that “men can help lead the charge with women in enacting legislation that promotes women’s rights, repealing laws and policies that discriminate against women and limit opportunities. She further added: “Women should be promoted to leadership positions as we are observing the upcoming elections of both Provincial and Council of representatives, elections we aim to have more women represented in decision-making positions.”
Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq, Ján Kubiš (pictured), in remarks delivered by UNAMI Director of Political Affairs, Manoj Mathew, reiterated that Gender balance in Iraqi politics can only be achieved if political leaders could work side by side with women to share responsibility of breaking cultural norms and practices as well as institutional, structural and legal barriers that hinder women’s equal and meaningful political participation.
“We need male champions, proactive work by male champions, in partnership with women is necessary to establish an environment that empowers women’s political participation at all levels of governance and decision-making.”
“For the historic settlement and reconciliation to succeed it must be inclusive. This is critically important for the unity and stability of the country and peaceful coexistence amongst all citizens, components and minorities. Women – and youth - must be critical agents of such positive change, in building a new post-Daesh Iraq, in shaping the future of the country for the generations to come,” the SRSG’s statement said.
Mr. Kubiš acknowledged the efforts of the Cross-Sector Task Force on the implementation of the Iraq National Action Plan on 1325, while stressing that “it is time to strengthen the implementation of the participation pillar of the Iraqi National Action Plan on the Security Council Resolution 1325 which reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.”
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