Katherine Ranharter is a researcher at the University of Exeter, UK. Her research focuses on conflict, gender and reconciliation. She also has a special interest in the areas of migration and asylum, on which she has worked with various local and international organisations.

• 1. Introduction2. Setting the Scene2.1. Kurdistan ' 's History – The Long Path to Autonomy 2.2. Women and Gender Equality in the Kurdistan Region – Then and Now 3. Gender, Women and Politics 3.1. Gender and Women in Negotiations 3.2. Gender, Women and Parliament 3.3. Grassroots Activism 4. Gender, Women and the Economy 4.1. Influencing Economic Development from a National Level– Gendering Macroeconomic Policies 4.2. Women, Gender and the Labour Market 5. Gender, Women and Society – The Power of Education 5.1. Children ' 's Schooling 5.2. Higher Education and Social Research 6. Conclusion 6.1. Politics 6.2. Economy 6.3. Education