The Female Factor: A New Weapon Behind the Desk
Diyar Harki – Founder of KurdFile
Regarding the Director General who was confronted today by (MP)Muthanna Amin:
Previously, we discussed a Director General appointed ostensibly to combat corruption in the Kurdistan Region, which became a focal point of public debate. Now, we turn our attention to another official whose rank was abruptly elevated: Maryam Osman Bapir.
Formerly an accounting manager in a regional department, she was appointed as a consultant in 2022 via a decree from the Minister, receiving a flawless monthly salary of 2,414,000 IQD. Currently, Maryam serves as the Director General of Pensions for the Kurdistan Region. Despite her position, she remains invisible no photographs, no interviews, and no public appearances.
Remarkably, when the news channel owned by the Leader’s Son (Masrour Barzani) recently hosted over a hundred elderly pensioners in their studio, this Maryam remained behind the scenes. She answered the pensioners’ queries via private chat with Mr Hawraz (the presenter) rather than appearing in person.
Reports suggest that Maryam is so austere and haughty that she considers herself beyond reproach. According to feedback from citizens and Members of Parliament, she conducts herself with the air of a Prime Minister rather than a civil servant. It was for this reason that Iraqi MP Muthanna Amin visited her office today; he subsequently released a video offering scathing criticism, depicting her as an arrogant village headman.
The President’s Party seemingly no longer requires men for its political and psychological warfare; it is now deploying women as its latest armed operatives. Maryam is one such recruit.
Author Profile
- Diyar Harki is an independent investigative journalist and human rights advocate. As a member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), he focuses on exposing corruption and human rights abuses in Kurdistan and Iraq. He voluntarily contributes to Kurdfile Media.
Kurdistan18 January 2026Will the Terrorists Be Released?- Opinion17 January 2026A Risk That Could Reshape the Kurdistan Region
Reports7 January 2026Kurdistan MPs Receive Millions in Salaries as Parliament Remains Paralyzed
Political3 January 202634% of Kurdish MPs in Iraqi Parliament Lack Arabic Proficiency