Why do the Barzanis hide their women? Hidden in the shadows

Why are the women of the Barzanis hidden in the shadows?

Sara Hussein | Exclusive to iKurd.net

In the 21st century, violence against women remains a global issue, particularly in the Middle East and Muslim-majority nations. In Iraqi Kurdistan, violence against women is deeply ingrained in the region’s social, cultural, and political fabric.

Despite the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leaders, the Barzani family, presenting themselves as champions of women’s rights, their actions tell a very different story.

The Barzani clan has ruled over Iraqi Kurdistan for over three decades, during which time they have introduced laws that ostensibly aim to protect women and promote gender equality. However, these laws remain largely symbolic, poorly enforced, and insufficient to address the deeply rooted issues surrounding women’s rights in the region.

The hypocrisy of the Barzani family becomes most apparent when we look at their own practices. Despite public calls for women’s rights and gender equality, the Barzanis themselves enforce highly conservative family norms.

Why do the Barzanis hide their women? — Leaked older photos of Masrour Barzani’s wife Sayran Sabir Mustafa Barzani (left) and Masrour’s sisters Munira Massoud Barzani (center), and Orfa Massoud Barzani. Photo: TEVDA Press/via iKurd.net

Massoud Barzani, the long-time Kurdish regional leader, and his son, Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, both keep their wives, daughters, and sisters entirely out of the public eye. Their women are conspicuously absent from public appearances, never photographed or shown at significant social or international events.

This practice is not limited to Massoud and Masrour. The entire Barzani family, including Massoud’s other sons, grandsons, and their families, they all follow the same approach of hiding their women from public view.

This raises the question: Why do the Barzanis present themselves as modern, democratic leaders on the world stage, eager to foster relations with the West, yet fail to offer the most basic liberties to their own women? What are they so afraid of? Are they concerned that showing their wives and daughters in public would be perceived negatively? Or is it a more deeply rooted, conservative, even Islamic view that holds them back?

What message do they send by hiding their wives, daughters, and sisters from the public eye? Why are they not given the same opportunities to participate in national events such as voting or celebrating important cultural milestones like Newroz? Why can’t they form their own women’s associations to advocate for their issues and contribute to improving society?

This double standard is even more evident when we compare the Barzanis to other regional leaders. In many parts of the world, leaders bring their wives and families to public events, representing a more modern and open approach.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al-Thani — Britain’s King Charles, William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales stand with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al-Thani, during a ceremonial welcome for the Qatari Emir and his wife, at the Horse Guards Parade, in London, Britain, December 3, 2024. Photo: CC/The Royal Family/X

Even in conservative Muslim countries like Qatar, which promotes Islam and supports Salafi groups worldwide, and the United Arab Emirates UAE, leaders regularly appear with their wives during official visits abroad.

For instance, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is often seen with his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al-Thani, during official visits abroad. In December 2024, they visited Britain to meet the Royal Family. Even UAE leaders are seen with their wives during official ceremonies. These leaders, despite their more traditional societies, do not shy away from publicly acknowledging their wives. So why are the Barzanis so different?

An exception to this trend within the Barzani family has been Nechirvan Barzani, Massoud’s nephew.

Nechirvan, often seen as more progressive and modern than his relatives, made a point to publicly show his wife, Nabila, when they cast their votes together during the 2013 Kurdistan parliamentary elections.

Nechirvan has also shared numerous photos of his family on social media during that period, further emphasizing his more open and inclusive approach compared to the rest of the Barzani clan.

However, after this brief period of openness, Nechirvan returned to the tradition of hiding his wife, allegedly after being criticized by Massoud and other family members.

Nechirvan Barzani with Emmanuel Macron, and Brigitte Macron — Nechirvan Barzani (center) with French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. Barzani’s wife, Nabila, was absent. Photo: Kurdistan Presidency

Despite this, Nechirvan’s initial steps toward more public visibility were a hopeful sign that perhaps the Barzani family could evolve, but it appears that this progress was short-lived.

Mr. Nechirvan should keep moving forward, embracing modernity and showing the world that Kurdish leadership can evolve alongside the times. We are in 2025, not the 1700s. The people of Kurdistan have demonstrated a growing openness to modern values, and he should be at the forefront of this change.

PUK's Qubad Talabani wife his Sherri Kraham — Qubad Talabani, a member of the PUK party’s Political Bureau and deputy Kurdistan prime minister with his elegant wife Sherri Kraham walk down the red carpet before a special screening of the film Landless in Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan, 2022. Photo: Video/PUK media

The glaring contradiction between the Barzani family’s advocacy for gender equality and their treatment of women within their own family paints a deeply troubling picture. It undermines their credibility and casts doubt on their true commitment to women’s rights.

By hiding their wives, daughters, and sisters, the Barzanis project an image of regressive, outdated thinking, at odds with the progress they claim to support.

In contrast, leaders of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), such as Bafel and Qubad Talabani, regularly appear with their wives at public events, reflecting a more modern, progressive stance.

Bafel Talabani his wife Lava Hikmat — PUK party president Bafel Talabani and his wife, Lava Hikmat, after casting their votes in the Iraqi Kurdistan parliamentary elections in Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan, on May 12, 2018. Photo: Talabani’s Press Office

Even their late father, PUK party leader Jalal Talabani was also often accompanied by his wife, Hero Ibrahim Ahmed, who played a significant role in the party and made meaningful contributions as a woman in society. Their openness contrasts sharply with the Barzanis’ continued refusal to allow their women the freedom to exist in the public sphere.

The people of Iraqi Kurdistan are living in the present, not the past. They are not bound by outdated norms and are increasingly embracing a modern way of life, one where women’s rights and visibility are fundamental. It’s time for the Barzanis to step into the 21st century and start leading by example.

Sara Hussein is an activist, feminist, and dedicated advocate for gender equality in Greater Kurdistan and the broader Middle East.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of iKurd.net or its editors.