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Iraqi Women Mourn Sajida Obaid, Singer Behind Women-Only Parties

Seven days after the death of legendary Iraqi singer Sajida Obaid, women gathered in Irbil to mourn the 68-year-old performer who died on April 4 following a battle with lung cancer.
Born into a Roma family in Baghdad, Obaid became a 'Kawliya' star known for commanding vocals rooted in dance rhythms. She performed for Saddam Hussein before shifting focus to exclusive women-only celebrations.
Her brother and manager, Aayed Awda, said Obaid held these private gatherings so women could dress and move freely. All staff, including security and DJs, were women to protect their privacy.
Fan Leila Botrus, 55, said Obaid's music brought people together through joy. Mina Mohammed, who borrowed money to attend the parties, described them as rare moments of freedom in a restrictive society.
Obaid's passing coincides with shrinking space for Iraqi women's rights. Critics argue that recent Iraqi Parliament amendments to personal status laws could erode freedoms regarding inheritance and divorce.

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