The Historical Pathway of Iraqi Women’s Engagement in Physical Activity

Abstract

The historical trajectory of Iraqi women’s participation in physical activity and sports reflects a complex interplay of political social economic and cultural dynamics. Since the 1950s the foundations of institutional involvement were laid through the establishment of physical education colleges and institutes as well as scholarship programs for training female teachers. These developments represented a critical step toward opening educational and athletic spaces for women (Al-Khafaji, 2015). During the 1970s- and 1980s-women’s organizations and state-sponsored programs contributed to expanding female engagement marking a period of relative institutional empowerment for women’s sports in Iraq (UNESCO, 1979).

However, this trajectory was disrupted in the 1990s by the combined effects of war and economic sanctions. The deterioration of security and financial resources alongside the rise of conservative social norms significantly curtailed female participation in physical activity (Al-Haidari, 2004). Following 2003 new initiatives emerged from civil society academic institutions and international organizations to promote women’s sports. Yet these efforts remained limited due to persistent security concerns cultural restrictions and the absence of a coherent national strategy (Mahmood, 2017).

This study seeks to chart the historical stages of Iraqi women’s involvement in physical activity analyze the main factors shaping its progress or decline and explore future prospects through a socio-historical perspective. The significance of this research lies in offering a critical reading of how women’s physical activity intersects with broader gender dynamics thus providing deeper insight into the role of sport as a vehicle for social transformation in Iraq.