Iraqi women gain seats in parliament but struggle to exert political influence

Over the past two decades in Iraq, an expanded bloc of women lawmakers has yet to translate its presence in parliament into meaningful political influence, despite a record number of candidates and a slight increase over the constitutional quota.

Women won 84 seats (25.5% of the legislature), in the last sixth parliamentary cycle held in November 2025. The total exceeds the mandated 25% quota by a single seat. Of these, only 25 women secured their positions through their own votes, while 59 entered via the quota system.

This election saw 2,248 women run, accounting for 30% of the 7,800 candidates, the highest share since Iraq began holding parliamentary polls.

However, the overall presence of women shrank compared with the previous parliament in 2021, when women held 96 seats out of a total of 329 seats (29% of the chamber). In that cycle, 53 women won through direct votes and 40 via the quota.

Despite the strong representation in earlier terms, women lawmakers struggled to drive legislation that affects their rights. Parliament failed to pass the draft law on combating domestic violence, and attempts to amend the Personal Status Law proceeded in ways not in the interests of women.

As a result, the gap between representation and influence remains wide. Female MPs, including independents, often align with dominant political blocs that control funding and decision-making. Within these parties, women rarely occupy senior positions or shape policy.

Low turnout among women voters also contributed to weakening their political leverage. Electoral data shows female participation lagged behind that of men, even though the most recent census in the country, conducted in November 2024, indicates near parity in population.

Social constraints persist, including male guardianship over how women vote.

In general, there is a need for substantive change that enables women to hold leadership roles in parliament and political parties, creating space for genuine partnership in decision-making and reshaping public perceptions of women’s roles in political life.

Iman is an Iraqi politician and a former parliamentary candidate from Basra. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Shatt Al-Arab University in Basra, Iraq.

Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Ahmed Almatwari.

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