Do not compare the Burkha clad policewomen of Iraq with their counterparts in non-Islamic countries. The gender discrimination is more astounding in this country. After the US forces took over Iraq, a recruitment drive was undertaken by the Iraqi administration encouraged by the US forces to involve Iraqi women in maintaining the law and order of the country. With rising Shiite hold in Iraq, the growing Islamic conservatism did not allow these women to function freely. In a latest move to scuttle activities of the policewomen, Iraq’s Interior Ministry issued an order requiring the police officers to return all their weapons.
How can the police function without arms? The Interior Ministry’s order is not only strange but also preposterous, especially their explanation regarding issuing such an order. According to ministry, the female police officers were misusing weapons by either selling them or handing the weapons to their male relatives. Does the ministry have any evidence to prove their contention? Who cares for evidence in a conservative country trying to stifle women’s independence? While the women officers denied the allegations they have pointed out that the administration was trying to push them away from field jobs to administrative jobs. Therefore, what is the use of Iraqi women police officers if they only have to do desk jobs? The only job of the women officers seems to be in Iraq is to search for female suicide bombers.
However, as the news became public there was vehement criticism from all quarters. Succumbing to US pressure, the order was revoked and the women officers can now keep their arms. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether these women can function along with their male compatriots and enjoy equal responsibilities and privileges that the male police officers enjoy.
Source: LA Times
