Women Drivers in Baghdad

More signs of normalcy in the beleaguered but recovering Iraqi capital. As the anti-woman jihadis retreat, women drivers are reclaiming their place in the drivers seat.

Samira Hussein, 36, walks out of the supermarket and slips behind the wheel of her car in the Karrada Maryam area of Baghdad near the heavily protected Green Zone.

It is a scene that is played out day after day in countries all around the world, but in Iraq, even simple tasks for women such as running errands and driving are deeply significant. Hussein, a mother of four, stopped driving in late 2003 as security in Baghdad deteriorated – but got behind the wheel again earlier this year.

“A car driven by a woman was like a goat chased by wolves,” she said. “The gangs who kidnapped and car jacked [citizens] were running everything.”

"[Now] I’m comfortable driving my car because I have more freedom. The streets are well protected and security forces are deployed everywhere.”

In the last few years in Baghdad, women have feared leaving their homes – let alone getting in a car alone – as militias struggled for power in the city.

While Baghdad still faces serious security concerns, signs of normalcy have returned to the capital, including women getting behind the wheel. While there are continuing threats and attacks, Baghdad has lately witnessed its lowest levels of violence since 2004.

We'll know they're finally over the hump when every Iraqi TV commercial features smart, savvy women and wimpy, clueless men.