In Iraq, as elsewhere, the coronavirus pandemic is having severe impacts on the population, but women and men are affected in different ways and according to research conducted by Oxfam in Iraq, women are disproportionately affected when it comes to socio-economic impacts and access to essential support and/or services.  

Women in three sample areas of the country are facing an increase in the burden of domestic work and caring responsibilities, a heightened risk of domestic violence and SGBV (sexual and gender-based violence) as well as loss of economic livelihoods and autonomy, which exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and inequalities already faced by women and girls in Iraq.

This is against the backdrop of existing inequalities and gendered discrimination faced by women across the country. Whether it’s a lack of socio-economic opportunities, under-representation in political and leadership roles or access to basic health care services, women continue to be disproportionately and negatively affected. 

We know from countless examples across the world that during periods of conflict and crises, women and girls are more vulnerable than their male counterparts. At increased risk of SGBV, as well as limited movements that can prevent access to basic services as well as a lack of voice or representation in decision-making.

During the outbreak of the Ebola virus disease in West Africa in 2014–16, some service providers suspended their activities across the region. This restricted access to maternal health clinics, and led to maternal mortality rates increasing by 70%. A lack of family planning services also increases the risk of unplanned pregnancies, with impacts on maternal mortality.

According to global projections by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), ‘47 million women in 114 low- and middle-income countries may not be able to access modern contraceptives and 7 million unintended pregnancies are expected to occur if the lockdown carries on for 6 months and there are major disruptions to health services’.

Here in Iraq, an already weak health infrastructure compounded by high levels of poverty and a volatile political and security context, we need serious policy and resource shifts to ensure even the most basic protections and opportunities for women.  As Oxfam in Iraq we have a number of initiatives that seek to promote gender justice and equality, through our programs, our policy and advocacy work as well as through our local partnerships.