SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Kurdistan Region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said he is determined to help put an end to the increase in violence against women in the Kurdistan Region.
Violence against women has increased recently in the Kurdistan Region. Cases of femicide continue to reoccur in the region despite condemnation and calls for putting an end to the killing.
Prime minister Barzani and his deputy Qubad Talabani chaired a meeting on Wednesday on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) efforts to combat violence against women and action to be taken to address worsening trends in the Region, a KRG statement said.
Barzani said he listened to government’s stakeholders on ways to provide more help, from social awareness and shelters that care for the vulnerable to legislations that promote equality and respond to the needs and rights of women and girls.
“I’m concerned by the increase in violence and harassment against girls and women in Kurdistan,” Barzani said in a tweet.
“This does not represent us as a people and holds us back as a society, and I’m determined to help put an end to it,” he added.
Barzani further said he intended to host activities, advocacy groups, and grass-root leaders to explore practical ways to join forces.
“We have a common goal – a safer Kurdistan for everyone,” he tweeted.
Barzani also called on media agencies during the meeting to play a more active role in raising awareness of violence against women and promoting gender quality, the KRG said.
At least 25 women were murdered in the Kurdistan Region in 2020, according to the General Directorate to Combat Violence Against Women. Thirty-eight others committed suicide and 67 others self-immolated.
