A Dialogue Session on the Electoral Programs of Female Candidates in Najaf
As part of the “Women for Democracy” project implemented by Tammuz Organization for Social Development, a dialogue session entitled “Listening and Dialogue on Electoral Platforms” was held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Barda Hotel Hall in Najaf. The session brought together a group of activists, representatives of civil society organizations, government employees, and a number of parliamentary candidates.
The session aimed to raise women’s awareness about the importance of electoral platforms and to open space for direct discussion with female candidates regarding the content of their platforms and the extent to which they address women’s issues and needs. It also sought to highlight the role of women in the electoral process and the importance of their active participation, whether as voters or candidates.
The participating candidates presented their electoral programs, which included key themes such as political and economic empowerment for women, support for legislation protecting women’s rights—especially the Domestic Violence Law—and proposals to create job opportunities and promote economic empowerment initiatives for women.
The session featured interactive discussions on the significance of women’s voting power and the importance of mutual support among women to reach decision-making positions. It was emphasized that increased women’s participation in elections not only raises overall turnout but also enhances the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.
The session concluded with several key recommendations, including strengthening communication between candidates and civil society organizations before and after elections, supporting public awareness campaigns on the importance of voting, prioritizing women-related legislation, and encouraging the formation of effective women-led support networks at the local level.
In addition, the session offered a valuable networking opportunity and contributed to enhancing awareness of electoral platforms and the critical role women play in shaping them—thereby reinforcing women’s presence in public life and boosting the success of the democratic process.
