Women Advisory Group (WAG) in Reconciliation and Politics in Iraq established to bring in Iraqi women’s perspective into the national reconciliation process

To advance women’s role in politics and make their voice heard, a Women Advisory Group (WAG) has been established with the support of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

The group will act as an independent source of expertise and advice to the United Nations Special Representative for Iraq in support of the good offices mandate of UNAMI. Comprising 22 women from diverse backgrounds, the group will serve as a political inclusion mechanism to ensure that voices, concerns and experiences of Iraqi women are included in political processes that shape the national reconciliation vision, based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, respect for diversity and non-discrimination. The Women Advisory Group will inform UNAMI’s activities in implementing its mandate of advising and assisting the Government of Iraq to advance inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation, and will work closely with the Civil Society Situation Room where both women and men will be consulted on a regular basis.

This mechanism will ensure women’s views and recommendations reach the Mission leadership in a timely manner and that women engage closely with the Mission in strategising action related to gender perspectives in the national reconciliation and political processes.