Islamic Relief women’s centres in Iraq are tackling sexual violence and gender-based violence (SGBV) through a series of activities today.
Through the programme of activities to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we aim to stop violence and help survivors.
Events are taking place in Baghdad, Anbar and Kirkuk, working with communities thought to be at particularly heighted risk of gender-based violence.
The activities are being delivered through our dedicated women’s centres, with the support of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Our women’s centres are a key component of our survivor centred approach, and offer vulnerable women and girls much-needed safe spaces and assistance.
Survivors of sexual violence and gender-based violence can access counselling, information, dignity kits, first aid and livelihoods training.
Through the project, we are also reaching out to faith leaders to encourage them to speak out against gender-based violence, and engaging volunteers to raise awareness among young people.
See some of our activities in Iraq today
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- In Fallujah, Anbar, members of the community hear about efforts to end sexual violence in conflict in a session delivered by Islamic Relief.
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- A workshop in Baghdad aims to tackle one of the key drivers of gender-based violence, gender inequality. Here women are encouraged to take on active decision-making and negotiating roles within the community.
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- Inside an Islamic Relief women’s centre in the Baghdad neighbourhood of Al-Huriya, women learn about the damage caused by gender-based violence and resources to help survivors.
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- In Kirkuk’s Yahyawa camp for people forced to leave their home, we discuss the importance of ending sexual violence in conflict and safe spaces for women.
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- Staff at an Islamic Relief women’s centre in Fallujah take part in a role-play exercise emphasising the importance of dialogue in preventing and resolving conflict.
Altogether, Islamic Relief has set up 14 dedicated women’s centres in Iraq. We continue to push for an end to all forms of gender-based violence in Iraq and across the globe.
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