The Impact of Environmental and Climate Changes on the Reality of Iraqi Women After 2003
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61353/ma.0250289Keywords:
Iraqi Women, Climate Change, Environmental Empowerment, Post-2003Abstract
Since 2003, Iraq has been undergoing severe environmental and climatic transformations resulting from global climate change on one hand, and political and social unrest on the other. These shifts have had a direct impact on various segments of society, particularly women. This research aims to analyze the impact of environmental changes—such as drought, desertification, receding water resources, and environmental pollution—on the reality of Iraqi women, especially in rural and environmentally vulnerable areas.
The research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, combining socio-environmental analysis with field data and official government and international sources. The findings indicate that women are among the groups most affected by climate change due to their traditional roles in managing household natural resources, the decline of agricultural employment opportunities, and the increasing burdens of internal migration and displacement. These factors have led to a deterioration of their socio-economic status and a rise in poverty levels and gender-based violence.
Furthermore, the research examines the limited role of government policies in mitigating these impacts and the lack of women's inclusion in environmental planning and sustainable development processes. The study proposes a set of recommendations to enhance women's empowerment amidst environmental changes. These include adopting gender-responsive climate adaptation policies, supporting women-led initiatives in sustainable agriculture, and providing environmental education and training opportunities.
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