ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Kurdistan Region leaders on Sunday wished women around the world a Happy International Women’s Day, reiterating commitment to advancing equality, and lauding the role of women in Kurdish society throughout history.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani congratulated women of Kurdistan and the world on the occasion, emphasizing support for their legitimate rights and demands.

“I value the struggle, perseverance, and vital role of the women of Kurdistan, and I reaffirm my support for their legitimate demands and rights. Advancing equality is essential to our progress.”

wrote the Kurdish premier on X.

President Masoud Barzani also extended his wishes for a Happy International Women’s Day, praising Kurdish women for their role and sacrifices and calling them fundamental to the Kurdish struggle.

“I have deep respect for the role and sacrifices of the women of Kurdistan, who have always been a fundamental part of the struggle and resilience of our people, and who have borne the weight of revolution and sacrifice on their shoulders. On this occasion, I wish happiness, pride, and success to all the women of Kurdistan,” the statement read.

Joining the choir, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said protecting women’s rights is the responsibility of everyone in the government and society, while honoring victims of violence.

“On this day, with profound remembrance, we honor all those tireless women who have made great sacrifices in the paths of freedom, justice, and rights. Salutes to the pure spirits of all those women who became victims of violence—may their memory always be cherished,” he said.

Kurdish women have played fundamental roles throughout history, including fighting alongside the men in the marginalized nation’s liberation movements across all four parts of Greater Kurdistan.

The Kurdistan Region parliament passed the Combating Domestic Violence Law in 2011 and launched a support hotline for victims of violence seven years later.

Despite the legislated law and ongoing measures from authorities, the Kurdistan Region continues to suffer from high rates of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual violence, and honor killings.

Cases of abuse against women are severely underreported in the Kurdistan Region, as publicizing such issues goes against the population’s conservative-majority mindset and risks damaging “family honor.”

In November 2024, Prime Minister Barzani ordered the exclusion of femicide perpetrators from general amnesties.