Erbil, Iraq, October 30, 2024 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC), in partnership with the National Department for Iraqi Women (NDIW), facilitated two workshops aimed at increasing the capacity and knowledge of government staff from across Iraq to implement the National Strategy for Iraqi Women (2023-2030). Participants, who engaged in training sessions, developed sustainable work plans addressing the unique challenges faced by Iraqi women.
Aligned with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Iraqi National Strategy, the sessions emphasized economic and social empowerment, particularly for women in underserved areas, addressing legal rights and cultural barriers. The sessions also provided practical guidance on developing clear and actionable goals that align with the National Strategy's key pillars.
Hanan Jawad, head of the Coordination Support and Operations Management Division at the Baghdad Women, Family, and Child Department, said, "We learned how to strengthen our networks and find better ways of working together. Staff from rural districts, who often lack planning experience, were empowered to make achievable, realistic plans that are now being implemented. One example is the Job Expo Initiative in Abu Ghraib and Al-Lateefia, which focused on vocational training and economic empowerment for women."
The workshop also addressed cultural sensitivities and challenges, such as women's limited ability to report issues to authorities in tribal areas. "Many women in remote areas cannot access government support due to cultural barriers. The workshop gave us the tools to create more effective solutions that respect local contexts while protecting women's rights," noted Hanan.
Jalal Hameed Issa, a unit lead from the Baghdad Women, Family, and Child Department, emphasized the importance of vocational training in addressing unemployment. "Vocational training is essential, especially given Iraq’s high unemployment rates. The workshop helped us create clearer and more aligned plans to support women in finding and creating their work opportunities. We hope to continue promoting these efforts with further financial and logistical support," he said. Similarly, Alaa Mohammed Abdul-Kareem, head of the Family and Children Unit, shared, "We learned to write and implement comprehensive work plans with clear timelines and measurement mechanisms. This is already making a difference in the lives of women and girls in rural communities, particularly around issues like child marriage and violence prevention."
Participants praised the IRC's approach to capacity building, expressing appreciation for the hands-on learning and collaborative environment. Wathiq Salah Nasir, who has been in government service for 24 years, said, "I appreciated how quickly I was able to implement what I learned. It was an inspiring experience, and we look forward to more training to strengthen our ability to protect and empower women and girls" While progress has been made, participants acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, including limited resources and cultural barriers. However, the workshop gave them renewed hope and confidence.
The IRC remains committed to supporting the implementation of the Iraqi National Strategy, working alongside government staff to create a future where all women and girls in Iraq are protected and empowered.