Women's Political Empowerment in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Comparison Between the Kurdistan Region in Iraq and the Kurdish Autonomous Administration in Syria

This study examines the role of women’s political participation in empowering women and promoting gender equality in Kurdish society, comparing the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the Kurdish Autonomous Administration in Syria. The research aims to understand how political parties and women’s organizations influence women's empowerment and address gender issues in these regions. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study draws on 15 interviews and 474 surveys from political party members, women’s organizations, government officials, and local residents in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dhok, Kerkuk, Halabja, and parts of the Kurdish Autonomous Administration in Syria. The findings show that women’s organizations, particularly in Rojava, have been pivotal in advancing gender equality through initiatives such as Jineology and self-protection strategies. However, women in both regions continue to face significant socio-economic and familial barriers, limiting their political and societal participation. While the regional focus presents a limitation in generalizing the findings, the research provides practical implications for improving women’s political involvement and rights. The study offers original insights by comparing the political empowerment of women across two distinct Kurdish regions, highlighting the critical role of women’s organizations and the need for collaborative efforts to dismantle barriers and promote gender equality in Kurdish society.