What we do

All human development and human rights issues have gender dimensions. UN Women focuses on priority areas that are fundamental to women’s equality, and that can unlock progress across the board in Iraq.

Normative and policy frameworks
UN Women believes that more women are needed in leadership roles in order to push forward the process of policy development and improve social norms.
Economic empowerment
UN Women invests in women’s economic empowerment as a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth.
Youth and innovation
Youth should not be viewed only as beneficiaries of the development process, or even as leaders of the future. They should be partners of today in view of the force and inspiration that young people represent.
Governance and national planning
Many women in Iraq, as in the rest of the Arab region, suffer from limited access to basic national resources. Gender-Responsive Budgeting is a transformative approach that aims to strengthen the effectiveness of public policy related to financial resources allocation.
Women, peace and security
Since 2013, the Iraqi political scene has been affected by many developments at the national and regional levels. In response to the appalling humanitarian crisis, which has made millions flee their homes, mostly women and children, UN-Women has been joining forces with sister agencies to assist refugees and internally displaced women providing protection
Leadership and political participation
In various parts of the world, women are under-represented in leadership and political roles. They are underrepresented as voters, as politicians and as leaders. This happens despite their proven abilities as leaders and as agents of change, and they continue to face obstacles impeding their participation in political life. They face structural barriers represented in discriminatory laws and institutions that limit their options if they wish to run for public office.
Humanitarian action
In response to the appalling humanitarian crisis, which has forced millions to flee their homes, mostly women and children, UN Women has been joining forces with sister agencies to assist refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) providing protection, GBV and legal services, cash for work and livelihoods support and setting up income generation projects covering 16 over 19 governorates.
Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF)
The Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund is the only global financing mechanism dedicated exclusively to supporting women’s participation in peacebuilding and humanitarian action. WPHF is a flexible and rapid financing tool supporting quality interventions to enhance the capacity of local women to prevent conflict, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities.
Intergovernmental support
In intergovernmental forums at the United Nations, Member States come together to debate and seek agreement on global gender equality norms and standards.
UN system coordination
When different parts of the multilateral system act together, they can deliver greater results—and maximize the use of scarce resources. Within the UN system, UN Women is mandated to lead, promote and coordinate efforts to advance the full realization of women’s rights and opportunities.
Past initiatives
The lockdown and movement restriction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in domestic violence in Iraq. As a result, UN Women led advocacy work for the enactment of the Iraqi Anti-Domestic Violence Law, along with other UN agencies and international actors.