Iraq's parliament is set to vote on a controversial law that would lower the legal age of consent to nine, sparking outrage among female lawmakers and activists who warn it endangers women's rights and children's safety.

The proposed legislation, led by Shia conservative groups, is viewed as a drastic rollback of women's rights, potentially sanctioning child marriage and undermining protections against sexual violence. Activists and female parliamentarians are mobilizing in response, arguing that the law could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities for young girls and strip women of essential legal rights, with protests already underway in Baghdad.

The proposed law, if passed, would allow men to marry girls as young as nine years old, effectively legalizing child rape. This shift in legislation marks a significant departure from long-standing laws that prohibit marriage for those under 18, a standard established in Iraq since the 1950s. Critics of the bill are particularly concerned that it will lead to increased instances of sexual and physical violence against vulnerable young girls, who may be coerced into these relationships.

Opponents of the legislation, including a coalition of 25 female representatives, argue that the law threatens to erase key rights that women have fought hard to secure. These include rights pertaining to divorce, child custody, and inheritance, which could be jeopardized if young girls are married off at such a tender age. The implications of this law extend beyond individual rights; they threaten the very fabric of societal norms regarding gender equity and the protection of minors.

Raya Faiq, a prominent activist coordinating efforts against the proposed changes, has declared the legislation a 'catastrophe for women.' Her remarks reflect the broader sentiment among many who fear that this law could institutionalize a dangerous precedent, allowing families to marry off their daughters as a financial or social strategy. The protests occurring in Tahrir Square serve as a testament to the rising anger and mobilization among Iraqi women and their allies.

Despite the pushback, male members of parliament advocating for the law maintain a narrow view of child marriage, often questioning what exactly is wrong with the practice. This mindset exemplifies a significant divide in gender perspectives within Iraqi society and politics. The patriarchal attitudes of many lawmakers are fueled by a perception that women's rights movements disrupt traditional power structures. Following widespread protests in 2019, there has been an increasing fear among male lawmakers that these movements may pose a direct threat to their authority.

The proposal has not just ignited protests in the streets but has also drawn international concern. The United Nations, through a 2023 survey, revealed that approximately 28% of girls in Iraq are married before 18. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for protective measures rather than regressive laws that would only exacerbate the issue. Women's rights activists are calling for greater global awareness and intervention to assist Iraqi women in their struggle for basic human rights.

In light of the strong opposition and the potential consequences of the new legislation, many female MPs are taking extraordinary measures to halt a second vote on the bill. Their coalition aims to draft appeals and mobilize public opinion against the proposed change, highlighting the detrimental effects it could have on young girls and women in general. These efforts represent a significant grassroots response to what many perceive as a direct attack on women's rights and societal norms.

The backdrop of this legislative push has historical significance, as Iraq has made strides in women's rights since 2003. However, conservative factions within the Iraqi parliament, which have gained increased power in recent years, seek to revert these gains, reflecting broader societal tensions around gender and authority. Attention is turning toward how these evolving dynamics may affect future legislative efforts regarding women's rights in Iraq.

As the parliament prepares for the vote on this controversial law, the future of women's rights hangs in the balance. The outcome will not only affect legislative frameworks but also the safety and wellbeing of countless young girls. The collective will of female lawmakers and activists remains strong as they continue to advocate against this regression, emphasizing that the fight for equality and safety is far from over.