16 Days of Activism: Iraq Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Safety and Empowerment

The event brought together government officials, international community, and civil society to review progress and identify gaps in efforts to protect women and girls. Dr. Yousra Kareem Mohsin, Director-General of the National Directorate for Iraqi Women, highlighted that prioritizing women’s safety is central to national prosperity, stating, “Investing in women’s protection is not just a moral obligation; it is the foundation of a thriving and resilient society. Additionally, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, Dr. Othman Al-Juhaishi, emphasized the empowerment of women through principles rooted in Islamic teachings, highlighting the importance of justice, equality, and dignity in fostering women’s leadership and protection.

Najma Khan, representing the United Nations in Iraq and delivering opening remarks on behalf of UN Women, UNOCT, and UNFPA as part of a One UN approach, highlighted the critical role of addressing violence against women in advancing Iraq’s development goals. She highlighted UN Women’s support for women-led peacebuilding initiatives, UNOCT’s efforts to integrate the unique challenges faced by women and girls into counter-terrorism strategies, and UNFPA’s continued commitment to providing safe spaces for women and girls affected by violence across Iraq. She noted, “Ending violence against women is not the responsibility of any single entity—it requires the collective will of governments, communities, and individuals”.

The National Directorate for Iraqi Women also provided a detailed presentation on its achievements in advancing protection mechanisms and addressing violence against women and girls. The presentation underscored the importance of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to safeguarding women’s rights and enhancing their access to essential services. Furthermore, UNFPA highlighted the role of Iraq’s national census in identifying gaps in services and enabling targeted interventions for women and girls across the country. This data-driven approach will support evidence-based policy and programming, ensuring resources are directed to the most vulnerable populations in Iraq.

The 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls is an annual global campaign that runs from November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. This year’s campaign in Iraq aligns with the country’s broader development priorities, including the forthcoming Iraqi National Action Plan III on Women, Peace, and Security, ensuring women’s protection remains a national priority.