Leading the Way

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. But in order to effect that change, Iraqi women need to be able to see the benefits of a better educated force for which they can play important roles.  UNWomen believe that female role models with strong leadership skills can provide that level of encouragement to motivate women to want and to seek equality and be provided with the opportunity to do so.

Al-Muhra is a force of nature, and she is determined to be heard.  At 27 years old she is a graduate of the Department of Banking and Financial Sciences with a bachelor's degree in Management and Economics. She lives in the Salah Al-Din Governorate's Al-Alam district with her parents and siblings.

“I actively sought out classes that would enable me to help in my community,” she said.  The Iraqi Flower Organisation for Humanitarian Aid provided classes with a focus on education.  Workshops are designed to increase the knowledge of the organization's employees and volunteers with peace-building skills. “We were provided with opportunities to practice the skills for negotiating and I found it very useful when the group stimulated peace-making processes for social reintegration and leadership skills especially designed for Salah al-Din Governorate, Tikrit,” Al-Muhra said. UNWomen provided the financial assistance and technical skills and experience to the NGO to run the courses effectively. “The training provided me with a strong incentive to learn practical methods and techniques for promoting peace in the community where I live, as well as increased my determination to succeed,” she explained.

Al-Muhra is following a plan for her future that will see her ambitions realised to become an officer and a female innovator. “I want to inspire women and help them to influence the decision makers so that society is able to see beyond tribalism and patriarchy practices that is keeping us from developing. I want a society where the views of women are taken seriously whether they are a mother and a housewife, but also where they have the opportunity and choice to be a woman who is respected in a leadership position. I am determined to work with all my strength to help society break these restrictive customs and beliefs that women are inferior.”

Al-Muhra believes that participation in the project improved her self-confidence, but it also drives her to take these new skills in leadership, conflict resolution, and dialogue diplomacy to bring about positive changes in her community so everybody can live a more harmonious life.