The Role of Women in Social Development: Field Research in Erbil

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to understand the role of women in social development. The research method used is descriptive, employing the social survey method. The sample consists of (450) women, with (205) working in the private sector and (245) working in the public sector .The key findings of this research indicate that the global trend is shifting towards greater female participation in all areas of society, which significantly impacts social development (including civil society organizations and health) overall. Women in Erbil are more actively involved in both the public and private sectors, particularly in education and health. However, their participation is lower in organizations and especially in the media field.

Regarding education, there is a statistically significant effect of 0.131 standard deviations on social development. This effect is direct, meaning that for each standard deviation increase in education level, there is a corresponding increase of 0.131 standard deviations in social development. In the health dimension, there is also a statistically significant effect of 0.257 standard deviations on social development. Similarly, this effect is direct. However, in the media field, there was no statistically significant effect at the chosen level of significance (0.05). This may be attributed to the nature of work in these fields, which often requires more fieldwork and may pose challenges for women, especially those with greater caregiving responsibilities as mothers. Particularly in the media, the low participation rate of women may be influenced by societal customs and negative attitudes towards women's involvement in this industry.