BRIEF: Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Iraq — Comprehensive Evidence, Policy Context and Recommendations

Violence against women and girls is a complex and deeply rooted issue influenced by social, cultural, legal, and political factors. The persistence of discriminatory laws and prevailing social norms continues to limit women’s rights and freedoms. Many forms of violence — including domestic violence, early and forced marriage, sexual harassment, and economic violence — are widespread and often go underreported. This policy brief aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation of violence against women and girls in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I), highlighting the legal and policy frameworks, identifying existing gaps, and offering practical recommendations to strengthen prevention, protection, and response mechanisms. It draws on evidence from national data, civil society reports, and international standards to support decision-makers and stakeholders in promoting equality and combating violence.