Iraqi Women

Prior to reading anything out of Baghdad Burning, I had a completely different vision in my mind as to what the women looked like, how they lived, and how they were treated in society.

I pictured dirt roads and abandoned area, similar to a desert. I sensed immense heat and dry air. I imagined beige tarps stained with dirt and thinned with age draped over wooden posts to shelter them. I pictured some residing in weak, unstable, dry-rotted shacks.

In my mind, the women wore a long skirt, long sleeves, and a hood that covered the face, all in the color black. They were quiet, they neither speak nor leave their residence. They were not allowed to work.


According to River, I most defintely had false assumptions. The scarf covering the face is optional, and only by personal preference. They make up at least half of the work force, this being less now that the war is in progress.

They live in normal houses on streets in cities. They have electricity and running water. Obviously, some even have computers and the internet.

I was genuinely shocked, and it's hard to shake the previously assumed living conditions from my mind when I hear the words "Iraqi women" or Baghdad is mentioned.