Introduction

In a troubling development, a proposed law in Iraq backed by Shia political factions threatens to lower the age of consent for girls from 18 to just 9 years old. If passed, this legislation could effectively pave the way for arranged marriages involving young girls, stripping them of their autonomy and exposing them to potential abuse.

Proposed Legislation Details

Under the proposed law, parents would gain the authority to arrange marriages for their daughters at an age when they are still far from reaching their teenage years. Unlike some countries, Iraq currently lacks a male guardianship system that mandates a female to seek permission from a male relative—such as a husband or father—to make significant life choices, including marriage. The new legislation would also permit religious figures to conduct these marriages, further entrenching the power of traditional authorities over vulnerable young girls.

Activist Reactions and Society's Response

The initiative, which is proceeding through the Iraqi parliamentary system, has sparked intense opposition from various women's rights groups and female members of parliament. Activist Raya Faiq vocally condemned the proposal, emphasizing the catastrophic consequences it would have for women: "This law legalizes child rape," she remarked, citing the potential repercussions for future generations and highlighting her family's stance against child marriage.

Protests in Iraq

Iraqi society has borne witness to rising protests, particularly in the capital, Baghdad, where citizens fear the rollback of hard-won rights for women and girls. Demonstrators have clashed with local law enforcement as they express their dismay about the proposed legal changes. Historically, the marriage of minors has been prohibited in Iraq, yet UNICEF reports reveal that approximately 28% of girls in the country are still married before the age of 18.

Motivations Behind the Law

Nadia Mahmood, co-founder of the Aman Women’s Alliance, attributes the push for this regressive law to a reactionary response by male politicians feeling threatened by the burgeoning prominence of women and youth movements in Iraqi society. "Following the mass youth protests in 2019, certain political figures began to feel the pressure from the growing empowerment of women, leading them to seek ways to re-establish their political control," she explained.

Opposition from Female Politicians

Despite efforts by 25 female members of government to halt the law's progression, their attempts have been consistently thwarted by their male counterparts, who frame child marriage as an innocuous tradition despite its glaring moral and ethical implications. MP Alia Nassif criticized her colleagues, calling their perspectives "narrow-minded" for failing to consider the broader implications of the legislation on the lives and futures of women and girls.

Concerns for Future Generations

As protests continue to escalate, many express grave concerns that future generations could face even harsher realities. Azhar Jassim, a concerned mother, voiced her fears: "I have one daughter, and like many, I don’t want her to be forced into marriage as I was," she lamented, reflecting a shared dread among parents regarding the potential rollback of rights.

Conclusion

With the fate of countless young girls hanging in the balance, the proposed law remains a contentious topic among Iraqi citizens and activists alike. If it passes, Iraq may find itself echoing the very regressive policies once associated with the Taliban, marking a devastating setback for women’s rights in the nation.