Video (11min 57sec): It's perhaps women who have the most to lose from the new Shia government in Iraq. But as Salam Pax, Baghdad Blogger, learns that's only made some more determined to fight for an equal role in society.
"The Islamists have a very dark vision for Iraqi women to be afghan-ized," fears women's rights activist Yanar Mohammed. "If we don't act against it now, it's going to become a reality we have to deal with for decades." Although women make up 60% of the population in Iraq, they remain marginalized and oppressed. Since the war, many feel their position has deteriorated. "Millions are being pushed back into their houses. We are seeing measures that were not there before," states Yanar Mohammed.
Ballet teacher Ghada Saleem agrees. "There are new restrictions on the streets. Most women now wear a veil." The fear is that Islamic groups will exert a strong influence on the new government, leading to women being marginalized even further. But having witnessed the Islamic Revolution in Iran, many are determined to prevent this happening. Government Minister Layla Abdul-Latif is helping lead the rebuilding of Iraq. The Iraqi Women's Rights League is attracting new recruits. And - despite receiving numerous death threats - women like Yanar Mohammed continue to speak out. They know they have too much to lose if they don't.
