48 women killed due to violence in Iraqi Kurdistan in 2024

SULAIMANI, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— At least 48 women were killed in cases of femicide across Iraqi Kurdistan in 2024, according to a report from the Campaign Against Killing Women. The highest number of cases was recorded in Erbil Governorate, where 18 women lost their lives.

The advocacy group, which includes 12 women’s rights organizations, shared its findings during a press conference in Sulaimani city on Saturday. While the numbers are unofficial, they highlight ongoing concerns about violence against women in the Kurdish region.

According to the report, the number of femicides by region was as follows: 18 in Erbil, 13 in Sulaimani, six in Dohuk, three in Kirkuk, one in Zakho, three in Raparin, two in Germiyan, one in Koya, and one in Khurmatu.

The group also noted that since the beginning of 2025, at least eight more killings of women have been reported. Many suspects in these cases have not yet been arrested.

In early January 2025, a 26-year-old woman, identified as Zhwana, was killed by her brother in Erbil. The killing is said to have been linked to a “social issue,” a term often used by authorities to describe domestic violence or honor killings.

In another incident earlier in January, a Kurdish man reportedly killed his wife and dismemberd her body in Penjwen, a town in Iraqi Kurdistan.

In February, the body of Iraqi model Noor Al-Dulaimi was found in Erbil. She had been killed, and her body was set on fire.

Violence against women in Iraqi Kurdistan has increased compared to previous years, according to the organization.

Honor-based killings, domestic abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence remain widespread. Many of these crimes are linked to so-called “social disputes,” a term often used to describe family conflicts that escalate into violence.

Despite repeated promises from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to address the issue, women’s rights activists say weak law enforcement, lack of support for survivors, and cultural norms continue to allow such violence to persist.

Activists are calling for stronger laws, tougher penalties for perpetrators, and more resources for victims to help curb the rising cases of gender-based violence. Without concrete action, they warn, the situation is unlikely to improve.