Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Iraq and Kurdistan Region in the Context of Job Scarcity

An Analytical Study

Abstract

This paper investigates the status of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Iraq, with a focus on reviewing existing literature, outlining the methodology employed, analyzing collected data from the World Values Survey, and presenting key findings. The literature review encompasses examining scholarly works, policy documents, and reports on gender dynamics in Iraq, highlighting prevailing challenges and existing initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women. Methodologically, this paper utilizes data collected from the World Values Survey's seventh wave, comprising responses from 1200 Iraqi respondents, including those from the Kurdistan Region. Demographic variables such as age, gender, income level, and educational level are analyzed to understand their impact on attitudes towards gender roles and rights, particularly concerning Job Scarcity. Analysis of the data reveals significant disparities in opinions regarding gender rights, with a notable proportion of respondents favoring men’s prioritization in Job Scarcity scenarios. Gender-based variances are observed across various demographic categories, including gender, age, and education level, indicating the complex interplay of socio-economic factors in shaping attitudes towards gender equality. Findings reveal the urgent need for targeted measures to address gender inequalities and empower women in Iraq. This study contributes to the literature on gender equality and women's empowerment related to Iraq, offering insights into the prevailing challenges and opportunities for progress towards sustainable development goals.