Baghdad, 3 December 2024, – As part of the global 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls, a national event was held in Baghdad, under the theme: “Caring for Women: A Path to a Prosperous Society.” Organized by the National Directorate for Iraqi Women, UN Women, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the event reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to addressing violence and empowering women as integral to national stability and development.

25 November 2024 – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), along with the High Council for Women and Development, in collaboration with UN Women, UNAMI, UNFPA, IOM, and key partners, launched the #16DaysOfActivism campaign in Erbil. The event marked the 24th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, reaffirming the region’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and highlighting women’s vital role in conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding.

The High Committee for the Protection of Women Candidates convened on 17 October to bolster support for women candidates in the 2024 Kurdistan Parliamentary Elections, held on 20 October. This key meeting gathered committee members from various ministries and entities, along with representatives from UN Women and UNAMI.

9 October 2024, Baghdad - UN Women, in partnership with the National Directorate for Iraqi Women (NDIW) and the High Council for Women and Development (HCWD), hosted a high-level roundtable to advance the role of women in Iraq.

Baghdad, 22 October 2024 – In commemoration of the 24th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, a high-level event was held in Baghdad to emphasize the pivotal role of women in peace and security amidst regional challenges. Organized by the National Directorate for Iraqi Women (NDIW) with the support of UNAMI, IOM and UN Women, the event addressed the evolving role of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, both within Iraq and in the broader region.

29 August 2024, Erbil - UN Women convened a high-level coordination meeting with the National Directorate for Iraqi Women (NDIW) and High Council for Women and Development (HCWD), marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to advance women’s empowerment and security throughout Iraq.

Erbil, 21 August 2024 - On Wednesday, UN Women Representative, Mr. Ajay Madiwale visited Ms. Srwa Rasul, General Director of the Joint Crisis Coordination Centre (JCC), along with Dr. Khanzad Ahmad, the Secretary General of the Iraqi High Council for Women and Development (HCWD) and Ms. Parwin Khan, an advisor at the HCWD.

25 June 2024, Erbil: UN Women Iraq Representative, Ajay Madiwale, addressed the Sixth Lalish Conference for Peace and Coexistence in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), along with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministers of Interior and Endowment and Religious Affairs, the German General Consul Klaus Streicher, the Secretary-General (SG) of the Iraqi High Council for Women and Development (HCWD) Dr. Khanzad Ahmed, and other national and international officials. The conference provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on issues related to peace and coexistence in Sinjar, the 10th anniversary of the Yazidi Genocide and preventing sexual violence in times of conflict.

The decades of war in Iraq had a severe impact on women and girls whose lives were uprooted physically as they fled the terrors of violence. Many were left vulnerable, facing poverty, with little education and a poor social standing in the community.

The patriarchy remains a barrier for progress in Iraq and is largely responsible for holding back social and economic development in the country, despite the rhetoric. The control of women and the view and practice that women should remain in the home, prevents 50 per cent of population from contributing to rebuilding society in the aftermath decades of destruction caused by conflict.

There is a proliferation of misinformation throughout media, driving hate crimes, including racism and leading to increased violent crimes. Across the global female politicians are particularly targeted with hate crimes, and threats of violence on social media - Iraq is no exception. The relevance and importance of truthful and ethical journalism has never been so crucial to good governance, peace, and democracy. Well trained and ethical journalists have a major part in reporting truth and questioning the status quo. They play an important role in rebuilding Iraq into a more fair and equitable society.

UNWomen Representative to Iraq, Dina Zorba, met with the Minister of Displacement and Migration, Evan Faik, to discuss the displaced women portfolio and providing women with programs and projects that qualify them to integrate back into the society.

An international festival was launched by the Iraqi Women Media Forum, in partnership with the United Nations, to honor 15 exceptional female journalists from different countries with the Atwar Bahgat Award 2023.

Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani attended the International Women's Day event organized by The High Council of Women and Development (HCWD) and in partnership with UNWomen in Erbil.

There is much work to be done to bring Iraq back into being a progressive, developed country where all citizens have equal rights regardless of their status, gender or (dis)ability.

The aftermath of the long shadow of conflict in Iraq has left many vulnerable women without the social skills to manage daily tasks or simple issues that may arise. Many face a future with the lingering trauma of the years of conflict, poverty and violence they experienced. UNWomen through its local partner Bring Hope identified that rebuilding the country and enabling women to participate in development for the benefit of all, needs the strength and wisdom of its women.

Adama is 23 years-old and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Management and Economics. She was born and lives in Salah Al-Din governorate in Tikrit district.

As an Iraqi woman Eman Rasho (23) has known violence and conflict most of her life. More than nine years ago her family lived in Sinjar when ISIS attacked the community and the family fled to Zakho and from there they crossed the border to Turkey.

The conflict in Iraq brought unimaginable change in the lives of vulnerable women and girls across the country. Left without the security of a home and forced to seek shelter in camps for displaced people, many young girls’ education was disrupted, and most were never fortunate enough to return to learning.

There are myriad reasons why the women in Iraq are vulnerable – the years of conflict left many homeless and in poverty, frequently subjected to sexual and physical violence and without a voice in decision making on issues that directly affect them.