Baghdad – 16 days of activism against gender-based violence

As part of this year’s global campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, al Amala Association and the Human Rights Office of the United Nations brought together Iraqi women rights activists working in government institutions, community elders, judges, health practitioners, lawyers, police, and religious leaders to reaffirm their collective commitment to ending violence against women and girls in Iraq.

During the expert level discussions, participants, including 28 women and 8 men, from Baghdad, Karbala, Diwaniyah, Thi Qar and Najaf Governorates, emphasized that progress can only be achieved through a collective and mutually reinforcing effort by government institutions and civil society. Participants identified the need to adopt national laws and mechanisms that protect women and girls from gender-based violence, end impunity for gender related crimes, empower women and enhance their participation in peacebuilding, societal cohesion, and sustainable development programs.