Shahrazad Services Center for Women Human Rights Defenders, Sees the Light in Baghdad

Women Human Rights Defenders in Iraq, including female journalists, unionists and activists work with human rights organizations, contribute with a significant role in the development of human rights in Iraq. However, at the same time they are exposed to the risks more than these exposed by their male counterparts. While journalists and human rights defenders in general are exposed to high security risk due to the unstable security situation, in addition to fighting terrorism and the spread of armed manifestations, likewise; women human rights defenders are facing extra risks. The reasons of those extra risks are the customs and traditions, and the narrow understanding of the religion. In Iraq, Women human rights defenders are harassed or molested or exposed to extra threat just for being female, and just for choosing to work on public affairs and on the subject of rights and freedoms. Although the Iraqi constitution prohibit discrimination and devote several articles to ensure human rights, but the reality is moving in a different direction.