Born: 18 November 1939 (Baghdad, Iraq)
Died: 22 August 2021
Biography:
Zakia Ismael Hakki (Arabic: ; born 18 November 1939, d. 22 August 2021) was a Feyli Kurdish lawyer who was appointed Iraq’s first female judge in 1959, becoming the first woman of an Arabian nation to be appointed as a judge. She fled Iraq in 1996 after her husband was killed and was granted asylum in the United States. She returned to Iraq in 2003 and was elected to the National Assembly of Iraq and was an advisor in the drafting of the constitution.
Early life and education
Zakia Hakki was born on 18 November 1939 in Baghdad to an established Feyli Kurdish family. She grew up in a society where women’s rights were limited, but her family encouraged her to pursue her education and dream of becoming a lawyer. Zakia attended law school and graduated in 1957, one of only five women in a class of 350. Her perseverance and dedication to her studies were evident from an early age.
Career and activism
After completing her education, Zakia Hakki embarked on a remarkable career in law. She began working as a lawyer and judge in Baghdad, where she quickly made a name for herself. In the 1950s, she courageously smuggled documents into the US embassy, exposing the unjust treatment of Kurds in Iraq. This act of bravery was a testament to her unwavering commitment to fighting for justice and equality.
Zakia Hakki’s passion for advocating for the rights of women and Kurdish people led her to establish the Kurdish Women’s Federation in 1958. She served as its president from 1958 to 1975, working tirelessly to improve the lives of Kurdish women and empower them within their communities. Additionally, she was a founding member of the Kurdish Women’s Association and became its president in 1958, a position she held for 17 years.
In 1959, Hakki made history when she was appointed as a judge by Abd al-Karim Qasim, becoming the first woman to hold such a position in Iraq. Her appointment shattered gender barriers and opened doors for countless women in the judiciary. She became the first female judge not only in Iraq but in the entire Middle East, inspiring and paving the way for future generations of women in the region.
During her tenure as a judge, Zakia Hakki faced constant adversity and persecution. As Saddam Hussein rose to power, her work as an advocate for Kurdish rights made her a target. She joined the Kurdish cause and fought as a guerrilla, but her efforts landed her in the regime’s clutches. Hakki was arrested, interrogated, and subjected to torture in 1975. Despite the immense challenges, she remained resilient and determined to continue her fight for justice.
In the face of ongoing threats and danger, Hakki’s husband and brother were tragically killed for speaking out against the regime’s policies. These devastating losses only fueled her resolve to bring about change. She survived numerous assassination attempts, proving her indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to justice.
In 1996, with her life in danger, Hakki made the difficult decision to flee Iraq, bribing her way out of the country. She sought asylum in the United States, where she continued her legal work and fought for the rights of refugees and immigrants. Her expertise and experience were invaluable in advocating for those who had been forced to leave their homes due to persecution.
In 2003, following the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, Zakia Hakki returned to her homeland. She played a pivotal role in the reconstruction of Iraq as she was elected to the National Assembly and contributed to the drafting of the country’s constitution. Her knowledge and dedication were instrumental in shaping the future of Iraq and ensuring the inclusion of women’s rights and protection in the legal framework.
Throughout her life and career, Zakia Hakki remained a champion for women’s rights and the empowerment of marginalized communities. She fought tirelessly against oppression, injustice, and discrimination, leaving a lasting impact on the legal landscape of Iraq and the Middle East. Her unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice and equality serves as an inspiration to women around the world.