The assassination of Yanar Mohammed, a prominent Iraqi women’s rights activist, has raised significant concerns among fellow campaigners regarding the safety and future of women’s rights in Iraq. Mohammed was shot by two unidentified gunmen on motorcycles in early March while standing outside her home in Baghdad. She had long been a target of death threats from various armed groups, including the Islamic State.
Impact on Women’s Rights Activism
Mohammed’s death is part of a troubling trend of violence against women activists in Iraq. In recent years, several well-known female figures advocating for women’s rights have been murdered. Just weeks after Mohammed’s assassination, a female lawyer known for her support of girls was also killed.
Women in Iraq have expressed that these murders have created a chilling effect on their ability to speak out. Activists report that women’s rights and freedoms are regressing, particularly following the Iraqi parliament’s controversial decision to allow child marriage for girls as young as nine, which many activists argue legitimizes child abuse.
Yanar Mohammed’s Legacy
Yanar Mohammed returned to Baghdad in 2003 after the U.S. invasion and founded the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI). This organization established the first shelters in Iraq for women facing threats of violence and abuse, creating a network of 11 safe houses across the country. These shelters not only provided safety but also aimed to empower women economically and socially.
Mohammed was known for her dedication to the women she helped, often going to great lengths to ensure their safety and well-being. Activists have described her as a revolutionary figure who never wavered in her commitment to women’s rights, despite the constant threats she faced.
Her work included public awareness campaigns addressing issues such as sexual slavery, human trafficking, and violence against women. She documented the experiences of female survivors and advocated for gender equality, making significant contributions to the discourse on women’s rights in Iraq.
Ongoing Threats and Fear
The assassination of Mohammed has intensified fears among women activists in Iraq. Many have reported receiving threatening messages that include personal details about their lives. The lack of accountability for her murder, with no arrests or public statements regarding the investigation, has left many feeling vulnerable.
Activists have noted that the systematic targeting of female activists is a dangerous trend, with little to no legal recourse for victims. The case of Dr. Ban Ziad Tariq, a psychiatrist whose death was recorded as a suicide despite public outcry, highlights the risks faced by women in the activist community.
In response to the escalating violence, some activists have altered their public personas for safety, choosing to write under pseudonyms or distancing themselves from the feminist label. Despite these challenges, staff from OWFI have vowed to continue Mohammed’s work, emphasizing their commitment to supporting women and fighting against oppression.
Source: Original report