Mam Jalal's ideology in supporting women's cause

Women 02:50 PM - 2021-10-01

As we approach the 4th anniversary of the departure of the founder of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and Iraq's former President, Mam Jalal, who was the most prominent supporter of women's cause in Iraqi and Kurdish society, we recall his support to women by talking to some feminists and activists in the field of women's rights.

Behind every great man is a great woman 

Dr. Basma Muhammad Mustafa, a member of Iraq's Human Rights Commission, said during an exclusive statement to PUKmedia that, "Mam Jalal had a charismatic character that can't be repeated" 

"All Iraqi components, including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen and the rest of the components are beginning to feel the void he left after his departure, especially following many security, economic, political, and even diplomatic issues between Iraq and other countries and the relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government," she said.

Regarding the issue of women, Mustafa noted that "the late is well-known for his support to all fields, the most important of which are women in the Kurdistan region and Iraq and their role in the political process. He had always shown his support to women in all of his speeches."

"His support for women can be seen within the PUK as wide numbers of them have received leadership positions within the party, as well as within ministries of the KRG and federal governments," she said.

"Mam Jalal was far-sighted and knew that the participation of women in the political process was necessary, as well as her participation in all fields of life. He had a progressive mind and was ahead of his time," she said.

"President Mam Jalal gave great roles to women during his struggle in the mountain. The best example of that is Mrs. Hero, who had a great role in the armed struggle against the Baathist regime, and after she became the first lady in Iraq as well. She also had a great role in supporting women, women's organizations, and charitable works, and this in itself represents (behind every great man is a woman, and behind every great woman is a great man)," she said in conclusion.

Mam Jalal: A major supporter of women since the days of mountain struggle 

MP from the PUK block in the Iraqi parliament Rezan Sheikh Dler also recalled Mam Jalal's great support to women and said that "all the changes that took place in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, especially the laws, were based on the ideology of the late President Mam Jalal.

"The 25% rate of the women’s participation in the Iraqi parliament was generated based on Mam Jalal’s ideology and directives," she added. 

She also pointed out that, "Mam Jalal was one of the most important supporters of women's participation in the political, parliamentary and government fields, and he was always against the issue of violence against women anywhere in the world."

President Mam Jalal... Support of the women's quota

"A woman represents the second wing of a flying bird, without which the bird cannot rise to the top,"  Iraqi feminist and activist Hanaa Adwar said referring to the development of societies.

"We lived with Mam Jalal before and after his assumption of the presidency of the Republic of Iraq. He had a wide and effective role in bringing about changes in women's issues in the Kurdistan Region in particular and Iraq in general," Activist Hanaa Adwar said during a statement to PUKmedia. 

"The changes came with his support. He helped in suspending several unfair laws against women related to the penal code, such as honor killing and forced marriage," she added.

She also pointed out that this issue allowed women's organizations to work to initiate opening safe centers and shelters for women to reduce issues of violence against women which gave women a kind of protection and increased the development of the women's movement.

She indicated that during his tenure as the Presidency of the Republic, he played the most prominent role in supporting the feminist movement.

Feminist activist Hanaa Adwar added that the late President Mam Jalal was a major supporter of the women's quota issue, and said: "He was very interested in feminist issues and emphasized the need for women to continue to demand their rights and persistence to win others."



PUKmedia