Shatha Abdul Razzak Abbousi

Ms. Shatha Abdul Razzak Abbousi is a member of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, from the Iraqi Islamic Party, where she is also sits on the Human Rights Committee. Ms. Abbousi is a prominent Iraqi activist for reconciliation and for women’s rights, and a member of The Pledge for Iraq, a women’s rights activist group. Through her work both within and outside parliament, she has courageously fought for women’s rights, and Ms. Abbousi’s dedication, courage and leadership has set an example for young Iraqi women who are interested in taking an active role in their nation’s political process. Ms. Abbousi is a teacher by education, specializing in both biology and Islamic studies – thus demonstrating that science and religion can coexist. During the previous regime, however, she was banned from teaching in any state schools because of her refusal to join the Ba’ath Party. After the war, she began teaching in a public school, but took a leave of absence in order to fully participate in politics.