Iraq, Women's Empowerment, and Public Policy

The role and experience of women is not always considered in wartime or during stabilization and reconstruction operations. In Iraq, where an entirely new political order can only flourish with the spirit of democratization, it is essential to consider women's needs and the obstacles they now face. In this monograph, Dr. Sherifa Zuhur examines some of the difficulties that attend policy formulation on women in the Iraqi context. Iraqi women have identified the security situation and basic services as their top priorities. Beyond these, the issues and contours of family law are explained, as the future of family law in emerging Iraq is as yet undetermined. Along with an increased political presence, legal reforms together with educational and employment opportunities have been the planks of women's changing status throughout the Middle East. How these are resolved will speak to the success of policy concerning women in Iraq.