Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has announced plans to revive and restructure the Supreme Council for Women, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and strengthening protections against violence.
Speaking at the 18th Islamic Day to Combat Violence Against Women conference in Baghdad, Al-Zaidi said supporting women remains a key priority of the government’s agenda. He pledged to create a safer environment through stronger legislation and measures aimed at preventing violence and safeguarding women’s rights.
The Supreme Council for Women, chaired by the prime minister, is responsible for shaping policies and legislation affecting women, promoting their participation in national development and addressing issues related to gender-based violence.
Al-Zaidi said empowering women through education, professional development and leadership opportunities is essential to protecting their rights, adding that women continue to play an important role across Iraq’s state institutions.
The announcement comes amid growing concern over domestic violence in Iraq. According to the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, authorities recorded more than 36,000 domestic violence cases in 2025, although rights groups believe the true figure is significantly higher because many incidents go unreported.
The conference brought together senior government officials, judicial leaders and political figures to discuss legal and institutional measures to combat violence against women. Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zaidan said violence against women violates both human dignity and the rule of law, highlighting the establishment of specialized domestic violence courts to speed up cases and strengthen protection for survivors.
Al-Zaidi also praised the contributions of Iraqi women during the fight against the Islamic State group, saying their resilience underscored the importance of expanding women’s participation in public life and state institutions.
