Advancing Women’s Roles in Kirkuk: Women, Peace, and Security Event Highlights Progress and Collaboration

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On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Kirkuk Governorate, in partnership with UN Women and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), hosted a landmark Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) event at the Kirkuk Governorate building. The event brought together nearly 200 participants, including civil society leaders, activists, senior government officials, and representatives of United Nations agencies, to reaffirm their commitment to advancing women’s roles in governance, peacebuilding, and society.

The Governor of Kirkuk, Mr. Rêbwar Taha, opened the event with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude to UN Women and UNAMI for their collaboration and emphasizing aspirations for deeper partnerships with the United Nations. Echoing his sentiments, the Chairman of the Kirkuk Governorate Council, Mr. Mohammed Al-Hafiz, reaffirmed his support for initiatives aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and their vital role in promoting women’s rights.

UNAMI’s Head of Kirkuk Office, Mr. Beppe Lovoi, delivered remarks, underscoring highlighted the importance of empowering women as key drivers of peace and security in Iraq. Additionally, Mrs. Intisar Karim, Head of the Kirkuk Women's Affairs Directorate, and Ms. Iman Abdulrahman, Head of the Women Leadership Institute (WLI), presented compelling overviews of ongoing initiatives and programs supported by UN Women to bolster women’s leadership and rights.

A dynamic panel discussion followed, featuring esteemed women leaders. The panel delved into critical topics, including the implementation of UNSCR 1325, women’s leadership, and enhancing collaboration between government and civil society. Key proposals included recognizing influential women as role models, integrating women into higher administrative roles, and leveraging media to champion women’s rights.

The event concluded with a resounding call for continued dialogue, cooperation, and actionable steps to advance the role of women in Kirkuk and beyond, reinforcing the province's commitment to fostering justice and inclusive governance.