Rate of illiteracy among Iraqi women twice as high as that of men
The illiteracy rate is twice as high among Iraqi women compared to that of men. (24% compared with 11%). The disparity in illiteracy rates between women and men are as high among younger people as among older people.
1 in 10 Iraqi households are headed by a woman
1 in 10 Iraqi households are headed by women, more than 80% of whom are widows.
82% of women outside the labour force
Only 18% of women participate in the labour force, compared to 81% of men. This is a low figure compared to other countries in the region. Women with lower educational levels are more likely to be outside the labour force.
Violence against women in Iraq
One in five married Iraqi women has been a victim of physical domestic violence, while one in three has been subject to emotional violence. Of the women victims of physical domestic violence, 14% were subject to violence during pregnancy.
UN Projects to improve gender relations in Iraq
The United Nations and NGOs are implementing projects to improve women's situation and to create the conditions where women can empower themselves. At least 30 projects have been implemented in the last five years amounting to more than $7 million. These projects have worked in sectors including protection, shelter, health and nutrition, governance, food assistance, education and economic reform.
