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Backwards steps on womens rights in iraq Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)    http://aliveinbaghdad.org/2008/03/31/steps-backward-womens-rights-in-iraq/ http://aliveinbaghdad.org/2008/03/31/steps-backward-womens-rights-in-iraq/ Steps Backward: Women’s Rights in Iraq - 03.31.2008 Baghdad, Iraq - Women in Iraq are enduring great hardships. Since the fall of Saddam, despite attempts to improve women’s rights, many feel their rights are slipping. Under Saddam women were considered to be equal under the law. With the collapse of the government after the invasion in 2003, militias have gained greater and greater ground. The militias have not only been involved in ongoing criminal activity, many have ties to Islamist groups, such as the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq, or Al-Qa’eda in Iraq. These groups in particular have targeted women, preventing them from working, and enforcing strict dress codes. This week Hayder Kamal interviews an activist for women’s rights who discusses her work improving women’s knowledge of their rights. During 2004 and 2005 she worked to encourage women to vote and understand the constitution and the importance of voting and being involved in political life. She, like many members of civil society, reports being targeted repeatedly and nearly killed for her work. Today she is working secretly and her organization continues, but less publicly than before. This has become a necessity with the continuing presence of dire threats to women. The spread of democracy in Iraq has so far assisted the rise of Islamist groups, and has greatly hindered the progression of women’s rights. For women to live with security, access to the same rights as men, and equal protection under the law, is going to take more than a new constitution, forced imposition of democracy, and a quota system in the parliament. As the ongoing insecurity and instability in Iraq enters its sixth year, the situation of women sees few signs of improving. ***

Backwards steps on womens rights in iraq Brits sexually abuse iraqi women { May 8 2008 } Iraqi girls attending schools down since invasion { March 14 2008 } Iraqi was most progressive protecting women rights { July 20 2005 } Iraqi women alarmed by new constitution Iraqi women could lose rights given by saddam hussein { February 2 2004 } Iraqi women face harsh life post saddam { February 21 2005 } Iraqi women lose most progressive rights in region { July 20 2005 } Many iraqi women say life better under saddam { March 26 2008 } Top iraqi scientists under saddam are women Women lose rights given since 1959 in new constitution { July 26 2005 } Womens rights destroyed by foriegn military aggression { August 17 2005 } Files Listed: 12

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