Public Views on Good Governance, Jobs and Women s Rights in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) August September 18 Survey Findings PUBLIC REPORT Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 1
This material has been funded by the UK government; however the views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government s official policies. Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 2
Methodology Overview 17 August 11 September, 18 2,118 face-to-face interviews (2,344 unweighted); part of a national survey of 14.44 interviews Kurdistan Region of Iraq only, covering Dohuk, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah; not including IDPs Avg MOE +/- 2.1 points total KRI; Avg MOE +/- 3.5% per province Representative by gender, age, education, urban/rural Multi-stage cluster sampling; probability proportional to size sampling down to block level in urban areas; simple random sampling at rural village selection and house/individual level Half and quarter split samples were used on select questions for testing purposes or to reduce the survey length Implementation team: NDI, JPM Strategic Solutions, GQR, IIACSS 14 th national survey in Iraq conducted by team dating back to 1; 2 nd national survey conducted by team this year Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 3
Key Findings Some optimism about the direction of the Region Still a disconnect and dissatisfaction with the central government, but some openness to improve relations The weak economy and unresolved budget and salary issues drive public concerns Corruption is top-of-mind issue in Sulaymaniyah While women s rights are broadly viewed in a positive light, they are stronger in Sulaymaniyah, and among young women Connections and bribes perceived as necessary to get government jobs, and support for an array of measures to encourage the private sector Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 4
Slightly increased optimism for KRI direction Generally speaking, do you think that things in KRI are going in the right direction, or do you think things are going in the wrong direction? April 18 +4-5 -5 +4 +5-1 +9-8 1 Right direction Wrong direction 8 4 79 59 46 47 46 45 36 KRI Dohuk Erbil Sulaymaniyah Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 5
Satisfaction with past 6 months increases, next 6 months stable Thinking specifically about your life now compared to 6 months ago, would you say you are more or less satisfied now than compared to 6 months ago? April 18 +17-21 +11-15 +22-28 +17-8 4 47 47 More Satisfied 35 Less Satisfied 53 39 33 63 Thinking specifically about your life, do you expect things to get better for you or worse for you over the next 6 months. April 18 +3-9 -11-7 +5-12 +9-9 4 46 38 Better 51 48 28 Worse 33 48 39 KRI Dohuk Erbil Sulaymaniyah KRI Dohuk Erbil Sulaymaniyah Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 6
Trust in government institutions continues to fall I will now give you a list of institutions. For each, please tell me how much you trust that institution. Do you trust that institution a lot, somewhat, just a little, or not at all? The local police The provincial council The district council The Human Rights Commission The justice system The Council of Representatives The federal police The Iraqi government The Iraqi army The Popular Mobilization Units 8 2 4 5 6 3 1 1 2 6 12 28 19 Trust a lot 39 35 34 3 Trust Somewhat 46 68 4 8 Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 7 April 18 +5-4 -4 N/A -5 -- +4-1 -4 +2
Majority feel their component not getting fair share Now for something different. I'm going to read you some pairs of statements and for each one, I want you to tell me which statement comes closer to your point of view. I generally feel that my component gets its fair share of services. I feel that other components get more services than they should. April 18 +6-12 +21-28 -- -14 +3 +1 8 4 52 56 53 5 25 24 21 29 KRI Dohuk Erbil Sulaymaniyah Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 8
Still faith in democracy, despite elections not bringing stability I'm going to read you some pairs of statements and for each one, I want you to tell me which statement comes closer to your point of view. Generally speaking, the parliamentary elections have brought more stability to Iraq. 8 Generally speaking, the parliamentary elections have not improved the level of stability in Iraq. April 18 1-9 +6-5 -9-17 +17-4 +5 Democracy is the best form of government for Iraq, even if it has flaws. March 15 1 8 Another form of government aside from democracy is better for Iraq. +12-7 +23-4 +19-18 +3-1 4 65 61 66 68 22 3 19 59 56 53 4 34 9 KRI Dohuk Erbil Sulaymaniyah KRI Dohuk Erbil Sulaymaniyah 9 Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 21 19 66
Low understanding of government priorities Now for something different. I'm going to read you some pairs of statements and for each one, I want you to tell me which statement comes closer to your point of view. 1 I generally have a good idea what my local government's priorities are. I do not have a good sense of what my local government's priorities are. I generally have a good idea what the Iraqi government's priorities are. I do not have a good sense of what the Iraqi government's priorities are. April 18 8 +9-6 +1-14 +13-12 +4 +5 8 4 56 47 61 4 64 68 63 63 25 22 25 14 KRI Dohuk Erbil Sulaymaniyah 25 6 12 1 KRI Dohuk Erbil Sulaymaniyah Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 1
Economic issues, corruption, and services dominate concerns Which TWO of these are the most important for the KRI government to address? Budget and paying salaries Jobs and unemployment Corruption Basic services like electricity High prices Health care services Education and schools Infrastructure Fairness of and access to justice Sectarianism Security 18 17 12 12 7 5 5 35 31 28 28 Job concerns: Under age of 35 41% Over age of 35 % Diploma+ education 46% April 18 N/A 1 3 4 5 Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 11-4 -13 +11-8 +5-4 -- -4 +2-2
Economy and electricity top local concerns Please tell me which TWO of these are the most important for your GOVERNORNATE'S government to address. The economy Electricity Corruption Potable water Health care facilities Schools and education Infrastruct/Reconstruction Personal safety Garbage/environment Property/land grabbing 19 17 14 9 9 7 4 28 42 48 April 18 +1 1 3 4 5 Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 12 +7-6 +9-3 -7-5 -- +1-1
Pollution largest environmental concern Now, I am going to read you a list of environmental concerns that some people may have. Please tell me which two concern you the most. Industry-related air pollution Pollution resulting from conflict Lack of clean drinking water Lack of sanitation and open sewage Extreme weather, like heat and sand storms Lack of water for farming 36 32 29 26 25 46 1 3 4 5 Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 13
KRI security apparatuses still perceived as responsive Now I am going to ask about different groups in Iraq. For each one, please tell me how responsive they would be to you if you need help. Very responsive Somewhat responsive April 18 Peshmerga 73 9-4 Local police 4 71 +1 Federal police 3 +4 The Iraqi army 1 8 +3 PMUs 2-2 4 8 1 Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 14
Dohuk, Erbil most concerned about local criminals, Suli about ISIS I am now going to read a list of different groups in Iraq. Based on what you know, which ONE of the following do you feel is the biggest threat to your day to day security? Local criminals ISIS & other terrorist organizations 44 42 Dohuk: 81% Erbil: % Suli: 4% Dohuk: 16% Erbil: 28% Suli: 71% April 18 +32 +5 PMUs 11 +2 The Iraqi army 1-2 1 3 4 5 Peshmerga, local and federal police, family, clans = Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 15
Majority concerned about ISIS return and violence in community Would you say you are very concerned about ISIS and other extremist groups reemerging in your area, somewhat concerned, just a little concerned, or not at all concerned about ISIS and other extremist groups re-emerging in your area? Would you say you are very concerned about violence in your community getting worse over the next 6 months, somewhat concerned, just a little concerned, or not at all concerned about violence in your community getting worse over the next 6 months? April 18-12 +11 -- -1-32 +32 +1 -- -1 +7 +7-12 -33 +29 -- -- 1 Very/Somewhat Concerned Little/Not Concerned 1 Very/Somewhat Concerned Little/Not Concerned 8 4 82 62 57 53 45 36 42 17 KRI Dohuk Erbil Sulaymaniyah 8 4 75 54 53 52 4 41 4 21 KRI Dohuk Erbil Sulaymaniyah Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 16
Need to have connection to get public or private sector job I'm going to read you some pairs of statements and for each one, I want you to tell me which statement comes closer to your point of view. You are likely to get a public sector job if you are the most qualified candidate. You are likely to get a private sector job if you are the most qualified candidate. You are most likely to get a public sector job if you know the right people. 8 71 You are most likely to get a private sector job if you know the right people. 8 71 4 4 21 Most qualified Know people Most qualified Right people Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 17
Need to pay bribe and connections to get a job I'm going to read you some pairs of statements and for each one, I want you to tell me which statement comes closer to your point of view. To get a government job you need to pay a bribe. To get a government job you need to have connections. To get a government job you usually do not need to pay a bribe. To get a government job you usually need to have a strong resume. 8 8 4 59 4 66 Pay a bribe 28 21 Not bribe Connections Resume Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 18
Split between facilitating public and private sector jobs I'm going to read you some pairs of statements and for each one, I want you to tell me which statement comes closer to your point of view. The government should play an active role in increasing jobs in the country by increasing government jobs. The govt's role should help private sector by creating a coherent legal framework, eliminating corruption, & boosting spending on infrastructure. 5 What Iraq needs most right now is more jobs created by the government. What Iraq needs most right now is more jobs created by private companies and businesses. 5 4 4 3 3 45 3 35 36 1 1 Gov't increase public sector Gov't help private sector Jobs by gov't Jobs by private companies Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 19
Wide array of efforts needed to create jobs Now I am going to read you a list of things the next government of Iraq could do to improve the country's employment situation. Please tell me which TWO of these would be most important to improve the country's employment situation? Create more government jobs Provide incentives to businesses that hire new employees Ensure positions are filled on merit, not quota/connections Establish vocation training centers throughout Iraq Focus on creating jobs outside the oil sector Incentivize employers to hire more women Reduce the paper work needed to create new companies 24 23 21 38 33 32 1 3 4 5 Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work
Majority see women s participation as improving Now, I will read you a list of issues. Please tell me if you think this issue is getting better or worse in Iraq. Worse Better April 18 Better Participation of women in politics 31 N/A Participation of women in public life 33 54 N/A Women's rights 42 46 +14-1 -8 - -4-4 8 1 Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 21
Sulaymaniyah most intense about equal rights Generally speaking, do you think that men and women should have equal rights in Iraq? Yes or no? 1 Yes, strongly 89 92 Yes, somewhat 84 9 8 72 4 48 26 38 KRI Dohuk Erbil Sulaymaniyah Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 22
Young and urban women most intense about equality Generally speaking, do you think that men and women should have equal rights in Iraq? Yes or no? 1 8 89 94 Yes, strongly 86 9 Yes, somewhat 83 86 8 93 89 4 48 42 49 41 44 34 57 44 KRI Young Women Young Men Older Women Older Men Urban Men Rural Men Urban Women Rural Women Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 23
Women in work force viewed positively, esp. among younger women I'm going to read you some pairs of statements and for each one, I want you to tell me which statement comes closer to your point of view. If jobs are limited, men should have more of a right to a job. Both men and women should have an equal opportunity to get most jobs. Iraq would be stronger if more women entered the workforce. It is not culturally appropriate for women to pursue jobs outside the house. 8 4 3 19 72 37 56 25 61 41 5 55 34 63 26 5 52 39 56 36 35 KRI Young Women Young Men Older Older Men KRI Young Young Older Older Women Women Men Women Men Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 24
Split on whether society or families hold women back I'm going to read you some pairs of statements and for each one, I want you to tell me which statement comes closer to your point of view. Society as a whole does more to prevent women from achieving more. Individual families do more to prevent women from achieving more. (Both) 4 3 32 33 32 1 Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 25
Young women most supportive of women in business I'm going to read you some pairs of statements and for each one, I want you to tell me which statement comes closer to your point of view. 8 Women and men should have an equal role in running the government. Men should have a greater role in running the government. Women and men should have equal roles in running businesses and industry. Men should have a greater role in running businesses and industry. 4 53 31 61 21 49 38 58 28 43 41 51 34 66 21 49 47 4 43 37 39 KRI Young Women Young Men Older Women Older Men KRI Young Women Young Men Older Women Older Men Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 26
Women most likely to think only women can represent women Now for something different. I'm going to read you some pairs of statements and for each one, I want you to tell me which statement comes closer to your point of view. Only women can sufficiently represent the interests of women in politics. Men can sufficiently represent the interests of women in politics. (Both) 5 49 4 3 39 26 31 29 37 23 37 42 29 24 27 33 35 1 KRI Young Women Young Men Older Women Older Men Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 27
Support for women in politics; stronger among women Now I am going to ask you about various things that women in Iraq could do in society and politics. For each one, please tell me if think a woman should be able to do that activity or should a woman not be able to do that activity? Men, Strongly able Men, Somewhat able Women, Strongly able Women, Somewhat able Become an advocate for women s rights Run for office in the KRI Parliament elections Become a community activist Be a minister in the federal government Be a Prime Minister Join a political party 26 31 63 55 61 51 55 45 5 36 46 38 96 9 94 9 91 86 8 67 78 69 62 63 4 8 1 Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 28
Openness to women in business Now I am going to ask you about various things that women in Iraq could do in society and politics. For each one, please tell me if think a woman should be able to do that activity or should a woman not be able to do that activity? Men, Strongly able Men, Somewhat able Women, Strongly able Women, Somewhat able Run their own business Make a higher salary than their husbands Run their own business with men and women employees Work as many hours as they want 51 5 35 47 42 39 41 63 93 84 79 7 87 79 78 77 4 8 1 Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 29
More variation on women s social roles Now I am going to ask you about various things that women in Iraq could do in society and politics. For each one, please tell me if you think a woman should be able to do that activity or should a woman not be able to do that activity? Men, Strongly able Men, Somewhat able Women, Strongly able Women, Somewhat able Get a university degree Have a government job Marry whomever they want Travel alone wherever and whenever they want Be part of the Iraqi police 39 34 28 24 16 7 67 54 59 42 37 56 82 98 94 96 9 88 79 68 4 8 1 Working for Democracy and Making Democracy Work 3