Shaghaf Team has organized numerous events in Kirkuk with the goal of developing peaceful communities through dialogue, while concurrently raising awareness about the harms and consequences of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Our goal is to foster resilience in our youth and families, focusing on methods that will combat GBV, and promote healthy, supportive relationship dynamics. Further, we aim to build an advocacy network committed to a just and equitable legal system that protects women, girls, and families in Iraq. We draw attention to the legal dimension, focusing on Articles 41 and 409 of the Penal Code, which poses serious risk to women’s rights and safety, and we strongly advocate for repealing these regressive laws and replacing them with an evidence-based legal framework grounded in equality, justice, and human rights.
Unfortunately, presently in Iraq, there are significant challenges with high rates of GBV and problematic cultural attitudes towards which exacerbate this problem. A recent study by UN IOM in 2023 revealed that 75 percent of Iraqi women would not report GBV for fear of it encouraging more violence. Worse yet, 85 percent of Iraqi men had said they would try to stop female family members from filing complaints about abuse and violence. This represents a serious problem for women escaping violence as well as the health of families and communities. It is expected that as many as 1 in 3 women will experience GBV and abuse in their lifetime, a shockingly high number. Therefore, it is imperative we act to protect our girls, our women, and our families from the pernicious cycle of abuse and destruction in our families.
Unfortunately, presently in Iraq, domestic violence and abuse is legalized through Article 41 of the Penal Code (No 111 of 1969), permitting husbands and fathers to physically harm their wives and children. Human Rights Watch argues that the existence of this law essentially condones and encourages domestic violence. With no effective domestic violence law in place, victims face significant challenges in reporting or filing complaints against perpetrators. And despite the government’s commitment to a National Strategy to Combat Violence Against Women, efforts to reduce domestic violence are ineffective.
Further, Article 409, allows husbands and male family members to escape murder charges with very light and lenient sentences that prevents justice from being served. 409 stipulates that a man who kills (murders) or beats his wife, female relative or her partner, in the case of adultery, to death or causes them permanent impairment, will only be confined for up to three years in prison (LSE). Judges have discretionary power over this punishment, and often judges only sentence perpetrators to six months imprisonment. Unsurprisingly, no such law or leniency is extended to women in similar circumstances.
A recent prominent example of Article 409’s application is the case of Tayyip Ali, who received a mere six-month prison sentence after murdering his daughter, Tiba al-Ali (BBC). Rights groups, including Shaghaf Team, see this as a glaring failure of the legal system that requires significant change and reform. Such cases are emblematic of the broader issues in Iraq where deeply entrenched cultural attitudes perpetuate injustice, allowing perpetrators of the worst crimes to evade meaningful accountability. Unfortunately, such lenient sentences are all too common in so-called ‘honour crimes’.
With that in mind, through our youth, we see developing skills in effective communication as essential for families and communities dealing with gender-based violence (GBV). By enhancing their ability to communicate openly and empathetically, families can create a more supportive environment that encourages victims to speak out and seek help. Developing these skills helps in breaking the silence surrounding GBV, which is crucial for intervention and prevention. Training in active listening, non-violent conflict resolution, and emotional support can empower family members to address issues of GBV constructively and supportively. This, in turn, fosters a culture of mutual respect and understanding, ultimately contributing to the prevention of violence and the promotion of healthier, more resilient family dynamics. Strengthening communication within families also supports advocacy efforts, as informed and engaged family members are better equipped to challenge and change harmful cultural norms and legal frameworks, paving the way for a more equitable and just society.
Building Peaceful Communities; Raising Awareness About Gender-Based Violence – Kirkuk Mall Event:
One of the impactful events we’ve hosted, in co-operation with Iraqi Al-Amal Association and the Norwegian Embassy, was Build Peaceful Communities, aimed at raising awareness about the effects and harms of GBV by way of the powerful medium of art and dialogue. The event served as a way to connect art with advocacy, focusing on the experiences of women who have endured violence. Prior to the event, we collaborated with a group of predominantly female artists, inviting them to share through powerful imagery of artistic portraits depicting the stories of women who have suffered abuse and violence.
The artwork our participants came up with was compelling, bringing attendees in close and intimate contact with the often-hidden reality of violence in our communities that happens behind closed doors far too often. Through our participants artwork, the feelings of pain, sadness, fear, and bitterness could be felt. Each piece was a powerful statement echoing a story of unspoken pain, isolation, and trauma faced by countless women.
Amid the heavy emotions resulting from the compelling artwork observed, we facilitated a group discussion to evoke empathy, understanding, and a sense of urgency among attendees. The discussion culminated in a call to action, stressing the need to combat GBV in all its forms, including the cultural and legal dimensions that enable it.
The event was successful, and we hope it left a lasting impact on all who attended.
We Communicate to Build Peace – Fostering Healthy Families Capacity Building Session:
With the support of the Norwegian Foreign Ministry and Al-Amal Association, Shaghaf Team organized a workshop titled We Communicate to Build Peace. This event brought together 20 young women and men, including activists and trainees, to develop essential communication skills aimed at fostering healthier family dynamics. The workshop focused on equipping participants with tools for constructive dialogue, emphasizing the importance of respectful and open communication to prevent misunderstandings, conflict, and, ultimately, domestic violence. Through interactive sessions, participants learned strategies for resolving disputes peacefully, promoting mutual respect, and addressing sensitive issues without resorting to aggression. The workshop also provided a platform for discussing the critical role that effective communication plays in maintaining family unity and preventing disintegration, thereby contributing to broader community stability and peacebuilding efforts.
Roundtable Meeting with Parliamentarians From Kirkuk:
In Summer 2022, Shaghaf Team attempted to engage in dialogue with elected officials of parliament through a forum hosted by our team and members who have volunteered at the events we hosted. Unfortunately, the dialogue was less than productive as the elected official was dismissive of our concerns and refused to acknowledge the problems and challenges girls and women face as they relate to GBV. We hope that future engagement will be more productive where those in attendance come ready to listen to their constituents.