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Summary
Iraqi women have launched their first women-led political party, Al-Mawadda, to boost women’s participation ahead of the November 11 elections.
In a historic milestone for women’s rights, Iraqi women have officially launched the country’s first-ever women-led political party called the Al-Mawadda Party, ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11.
Founded by politician and activist Jihan al-Taei, the Al-Mawadda Party was born out of an urgent need to amplify the voices of Iraqi women in decision-making spaces, particularly in a society where women have long been systematically excluded. The party’s name, Al-Mawadda, means compassion, love, and respect, and it aims to reflect its vision of inclusion, representation, and policy change.
After two years of waiting for official licensing approval, the party has now received legal recognition and unveiled a platform focused on uniting women across Iraq and increasing their political participation.
Its rapid growth, attracting over 7,000 women members without any promotional campaign, shows the need for a political platform that truly represents women’s aspirations.
Despite not establishing formal cooperation with Iraq’s traditional political parties, the Al-Mawadda Party has gained support from several influential groups, including the Communist Party and various civil society organisations that participated in its founding conference.
To prepare for the upcoming elections, the Al-Mawadda Party has begun organising a series of awareness workshops and launched an online portal for media engagement and membership recruitment.
The establishment of this party marks a significant chapter in the journey of Iraqi women and seeks to carve out a real space for women in Iraq’s political landscape.
