As a regional leader in Women, Peace, and Security, Iraq is developing its INAP III, set to be launched soon. During the consultation, Dr. Ahlam Shaheed presented INAP III on behalf of the National Directorate for Iraqi Women, outlining its focus on strengthening institutional frameworks, legal protections, and societal support for women’s leadership. The session highlighted the vital role of civil society in shaping and implementing the plan, with insights from the discussions feeding directly into its finalization to ensure grassroots perspectives are reflected in national policymaking.
Dr. Yousra Kareem Mohsin, Director-General of the National Directorate for Iraqi Women, emphasized the importance of women’s integration into security institutions, stating, “Women’s inclusion enhances the effectiveness of security institutions and strengthens their capacity to respond to crises and challenges. Our vision is to build a society founded on justice, where both women and men contribute to sustainable peace.” Ajay Madiwale, UN Women Representative for Iraq, reiterated the critical role of women-led civil society in shaping and implementing INAP III. “Civil society remains integral in strengthening women's health, advancing economic empowerment, and reinforcing women’s roles in peacebuilding efforts across Iraq,” he noted.
The consultation concluded with a reaffirmation of collective commitments to ensuring that women’s rights, leadership, and political participation remain central to Iraq’s national and international policy agenda. With INAP III soon to be launched, the National Directorate for Iraqi Women and UN Women continue to prioritize inclusive policymaking and sustained engagement with civil society to drive forward the WPS agenda in Iraq.