International Women’s Day 2022 | ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’
Baghdad, 9 March 2022
Marking International Women’s Day and its theme of ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’, the Human Rights Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) organized events in Basra, Ninewa and Kirkuk to raise awareness about the leadership role of women in the protection of the environment across Iraq in line with this year’s theme of ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’.
On 8 and 9 March, the expert-level discussions brought together Iraqi women rights activities, representatives of local environmental directorates, local women empowerment offices, members of health directorates, university professors and scientists, the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights and civil society representatives. The 31 women and 23 men, from Basra, Diyala, Kirkuk, Missan, Muthanna, Ninawa, Salah al-Din and Thi-Qar Governorates presented several community-led initiatives to strengthen gender equality and counter the effects of climate change.
Participants identified the need to enhance the participation of women in peacebuilding, social cohesion and sustainable development programs and to increase awareness about their key role in the protection of the environment. Participants also advocated for the creation of more green spaces to improve air quality and limit pollution. To address some of these challenges, participants recommended the formation of a regular discussion group aiming to identify practical solutions and provide a structural exchange platform between government representatives and civil society.
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