Iraq: Position of Women Deteriorated Since Gulf War

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November 21, 2003 11:29AM EST | Background Briefing

Iraq: Position of Women Deteriorated Since Gulf War

A Human Rights Watch Backgrounder

Historically, Iraqi women and girls have enjoyed relatively more rights than many of their counterparts in the Middle East. The Iraqi Provisional Constitution (drafted in 1970) formally guaranteed equal rights to women and other laws specifically ensured their right to vote, attend school, run for political office, and own property. Yet, since the 1991 Gulf War, the position of women within Iraqi society has deteriorated rapidly.

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