Reclaiming Dignity: The Intersection of Women's Rights and Human Rights in Iraq

The second wife in Iraqi society faces accusations of theft and seduction and is condemned in the eyes of others. The second wife is often viewed as the "selfish evil character, the destroyer of homes and families," accused of having "tricked" the man and stolen him from his wife and children. In most cases, the man is not condemned by society, as it is believed that the woman seduced him and he became her victim until he wakes up from his ignorance and returns to his children and first wife. Therefore, all parties are pressured to push for the divorce of this man from the second wife, who intrudes into his life, without anyone considering the position of the woman whom they claim has taken the man from his family, nor do they seek to understand the real reasons that led her to agree to such a marriage.

"The man has a mind"

A human rights activist states that "the man has a mind and is capable of distinguishing and choosing; he is not a child who can be fooled and deceived by the second wife."

She believes that "there should be neutral research and study to understand the reasons that may drive a man to seek another woman to share his life."

The activist points out that "the phenomenon of polygamy in Iraqi society has noticeably increased in the years following 2003," indicating that "war and social and economic conditions are among the reasons for the spread of this phenomenon, not to mention the demographic changes in Iraqi society due to these influences."

A woman, who is a second wife and has been married to a married man for over five years, tells (Basnews) that "society forces us to continue in marriages that we do not accept for ourselves, whether we are men or women, possibly sacrificing for the sake of children and the home, or due to society's perception of divorced women."

She affirms that "every person has the right to live in the way they desire without having to make sacrifices for the community that turn them into an unhappy person in life, and the second wife is not that evil woman who stole a man from his family, because when a man approaches a woman while he is married, he does so with full mental capacity and does everything possible to convince the woman to accept him."

"Women have regressive ideas"

However, a civil rights activist in women's rights has a differing opinion, as she stands against the phenomenon of polygamy and considers a woman who agrees to marry a married man to have "regressive ideas and makes herself and the first wife into slaves or lacks her will, reflecting the low view of women by society."

She mentions that "the second wife causes the disintegration of the family she enters, as there are women who, when a rival comes into their lives, demand divorce and separation from their husbands, and thus this woman, who caused the family disintegration, is accused of fracturing and distorting society."

The feminist activist calls on civil society organizations to educate women not to marry married men, as she also demands that the parliament and government prohibit second marriages and impose real penalties.

The social researcher states that she does not object to the legitimacy of polygamy within the framework of law and Sharia, and through the consent of the woman, "while preserving her dignity and safeguarding her marital rights."

She adds that "the traditions of Iraqi society sometimes push women to marry a married man, even though this diminishes the dignity of women in itself."

The researcher believes that "the improvement in the living standards of the Iraqi individual after 2003 has also revitalized polygamy, especially in rural areas where the rate of polygamy is higher."

It is noted that the Iraqi Personal Status Law of 1959 stipulates that a man must obtain the consent of the first wife before a judge to marry a second woman. Most cases of polygamy in Iraq occur after the first wife's consent, or even without her consent, given that we live in a patriarchal society where men hold the power.

Studies indicate that the majority of polygamous cases are due to the infertility of the woman or her inability to provide her husband with all his marital rights, in addition to the increase in the number of unmarried women and widows in society. Official statistics indicate that Iraqi society suffers from a high rate of spinsterhood and delayed marriage among those aged 18 to 45, with the percentage of unmarried girls exceeding 30% according to the Central Statistical Organization in the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation. Official statistics also indicate that the number of widows in Iraq is about one million, most of whom are victims of wars and the wave of violence that swept Iraq after 2003.

Human Rights View

In Iraqi society, the issue of polygamy and the treatment of second wives highlights broader human rights concerns. Women in these situations often face stigma, social isolation, and accusations that undermine their dignity. The prevailing narrative tends to blame the second wife for the disintegration of families, while the man is often absolved of responsibility. This reflects a gender bias that perpetuates inequality and hinders women's rights.

Concerns

1. Social Stigmatization: Second wives are frequently labeled as "homewreckers," facing societal condemnation that can lead to mental health issues and social exclusion.

2. Lack of Legal Protections: Although Iraqi law requires the consent of the first wife for a man to marry again, enforcement is inconsistent, and many women lack awareness of their rights.

3. Economic Vulnerability: Second wives often find themselves economically dependent on their husbands, which can lead to exploitation and abuse.

4. Cultural Norms: Deep-rooted cultural beliefs regarding gender roles continue to undermine women's autonomy and rights, making it difficult for them to advocate for themselves.

Challenges

1. Patriarchal Structures: The dominance of patriarchal norms in society leads to systemic discrimination against women, affecting their ability to make choices about marriage and family.

2. Limited Access to Resources: Many women lack access to education and legal resources, which inhibits their ability to understand and assert their rights.

3. Political Instability: Ongoing political turmoil and insecurity in Iraq divert attention and resources away from addressing human rights issues, including women's rights.

4. Insufficient Advocacy: Civil society organizations often struggle with limited funding and support, hindering their ability to effectively advocate for women's rights.

Suggested Solutions

1. Legal Reforms: Strengthening legal frameworks to protect the rights of women in polygamous marriages, including clearer regulations regarding consent and legal recourse for violations.

2. Awareness Campaigns: Implementing educational programs aimed at raising awareness about women's rights and the implications of polygamy, targeting both men and women.

3. Support Services: Establishing support services for second wives, including counseling, legal aid, and economic empowerment programs to help them gain independence.

4. Engagement with Religious Leaders: Collaborating with religious leaders to promote more progressive interpretations of marriage and women's rights within Islamic teachings.

5. Strengthening Civil Society: Providing resources and support to civil society organizations that advocate for women's rights, enabling them to reach more women and effect change.

6. Monitoring and Accountability: Establishing mechanisms for monitoring human rights abuses related to polygamy and holding perpetrators accountable, ensuring that women's voices are heard in these processes.

By addressing these concerns and challenges through targeted solutions, Iraqi society can move towards a more equitable environment where women's rights are respected and upheld.