Press Release

UN in Iraq marks 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls

26 November 2024

Baghdad/Erbil, Iraq – 26 November 2024 - The United Nations in Iraq launched the annual 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls. This global campaign focuses on raising awareness, strengthening efforts to combat violence, and fostering an environment where women and girls can thrive in safety and dignity.

Activities during the campaign include two key events. A kick-off meeting took place on 25 November in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, creating synergies between the Women, Peace, and Security agenda and the 16 Days campaign by incorporating the commemoration of the 24th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. The second event will take place in Baghdad on 2 December to underscore the nation’s ongoing commitment to addressing violence against women and promoting their leadership across all sectors.

Violence against women and girls is a critical issue globally and poses challenges in Iraq, particularly for displaced women and survivors of abuse. While Iraq has made progress through policy reforms and awareness campaigns, entrenched norms and systemic barriers persist, making it essential to maintain momentum and ensure continued progress. Enhancing and enforcing laws to combat violence against women and children remains a critical priority, as robust legal frameworks are essential to ensuring accountability, protecting survivors, and preventing future violence.

Additionally, online violence is a growing threat in Iraq, disproportionately impacting women and girls. This violence jeopardises their safety and limits their participation in online spaces, hindering their education, employment and leadership opportunities. The UN calls for stronger cyber laws and greater public awareness to create a respectful digital culture so that women and girls can thrive.

Despite these challenges, Iraqi women have shown remarkable strength and resilience, continuing to lead in their communities and contribute to the nation’s development. Whether advocating for their rights, supporting others through humanitarian efforts, or participating in leadership and decision-making roles, Iraqi women exemplify courage and determination in the face of adversity. Their unwavering spirit is a testament to their ability to overcome obstacles and drive positive change. 

This year’s campaign supports Iraq’s development of its third National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, emphasizing women’s leadership, stronger cross-sector partnerships, and local awareness campaigns. It underscores the need for comprehensive action to provide protection services, including safe spaces, psychological support, medical care, and legal aid, to promote the safety, empowerment, and resilience of women and girls.

"Violence against women and girls is a grave violation of human rights that hinders Iraq’s progress toward sustainable development. We must continue to break the silence, strengthen protections, and engage all sectors of society in this fight. Together, we can create a future where every woman and girl is safe and free to thrive. Let us act with urgency and work towards the realization of women’s rights under Iraq’s constitution," said Ghulam Isaczai, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq.

Eliminating violence against women and girls is central to building a stable and prosperous Iraq. The United Nations in Iraq remains committed to collaborating with the federal Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and national, local, and international partners to achieve this vision to create a future where every woman and girl can live free from violence, exploitation and abuse and realize her full potential.

 

End Violence. Act Now.

 

For more information, please contact: 

Zainab Salih, the Resident Coordinator Office in Iraq: 

Tel: +9647901105664 

zainab.salih@un.org

 

Sahar Tawfeeq Alsaffouri, UNFPA: 

Tel: +9647702711274 

alsaffouri@unfpa.org

staff

Sahar Alsaffouri

UNFPA
Communications Analyst
team

Zainab Salih

RCO
Communications Officer

UN entities involved in this initiative

RCO
United Nations Resident Coordinator Office
UNFPA
United Nations Population Fund

Goals we are supporting through this initiative