“Iraqi women have struggled throughout history but have not been defeated by wars, sectarianism, siege, a declining security situation and collapse of health and public services,” says Intisar Mayyali, director of the Iraq Women’s League.
“If anything, we are the ones who will play a greater role in correcting the course of the political process in Iraq.”
Iraq, struggling with the aftermath of three years of an Isis insurgency and renewed internal conflict between Kurdish, Sunni and Shia movements, has been through a lot lately.
Sunday’s general election – the fourth since Saddam Hussein was toppled and in which all 328 members of parliament must be chosen – is being optimistically viewed by some as an opportunity to unite the country again.
It is not clear, however, how the cards will fall. Iraq’s main Shia parties have splintered, and civilians are so disillusioned with the corruption of Baghdad’s political class that voter turnout is expected to be very low.
Isis, officially defeated in December, has assassinated a politician and threatened to attack polling stations.
None of this has stopped political hopefuls, however. Almost 7,000 people are running for office, and the law says at least a quarter of candidates on lists must be women. In Baghdad, four women lead lists across the political spectrum, and in the Kurdish north a further five are likely to lead their parties to victory.
It has not been an easy campaign for female candidates, however. Late last month the UN issued a statement condemning the “defamation, cyber bullying and harassment” of women running in the elections after one candidate, Dr Intidhar Ahmed Jassim, was forced to withdraw following the leak of a sex tape. It is not clear whether it was doctored or who released it.
Posters have been ripped down, candidates have been heckled and some accused of running on empty platforms, choosing to focus on their looks.
The targeting of female candidates not only causes “anguish”, but “is a threat to the integrity of the electoral process”, says UN special representative for Iraq, Jan Kubis.
“[Those behind the harassment] are afraid of educated, dynamic, qualified, courageous and open-minded women candidates that rightfully claim their space and meaningful role in the political life of Iraq.”
“In the Arab world, unfortunately, the way power relations work is that men have the authority and control the public domain,” says Suad Abu-Dayyeh, a women’s rights legal expert with charity Equality Now.
Certain gender specific issues keep female candidates in the race: many campaigns have specifically pledged to improve education and healthcare for women – and to repeal Article 398 of the country’s penal code, which allows a rapist to escape punishment if he marries the survivor.
Abolishing the article is seen by many as a symbolic step towards equality.
“Female participation is important to impact policy and end discriminatory laws,” Ms Abu-Dayyeh says.
“I hope these candidates will not be put off by the opposition they face.”
A busy weekend of campaigning will result in a new government on Monday.
“Public opinion polls show people are reluctant to participate,” says Ms Mayyali.
“But you have to keep trying. Women and men need to be real partners to move Iraq forward, to rebuild the state and provide a decent life for all the daughters and sons of Mesopotamia.”
