Iraq

UN Women Iraq�s most significant progress in 2024 was strengthening partnerships with the Government of Iraq to stabilize and drive gender equality and inclusive governance. By overcoming challenges in coordination and fostering trust with key government entities, UN Women established a solid foundation for collaborative efforts toward achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Strengthened partnerships with the National Directorate for Iraqi Women (NDIW) in Baghdad and enhanced collaboration with other national counterparts ensured more effective support for institutional frameworks promoting women�s empowerment. Iraq developed its third National Action Plan (INAP III) on Women, Peace, and Security. This plan integrated lessons learned from previous plans and enhanced coordination mechanisms. UN Women supported the development of the INAP III by supporting consultations around the development of the new INAP III. This support included contracting a consultant under NDIW, who worked closely with line ministries and stakeholders to draft the initial version. As part of this process, the consultant conducted meetings and stakeholder interviews to gather information and populate the INAP draft. This was followed by broader consultations with the government, civil society organizations, and line ministries to refine and finalize the INAP III. Through Women Peace and Security support on peacebuilding, women in Iraq could join the country�s first National Women�s Mediators Network. Through the Network, women gained conflict resolution skills to actively participate in national and local peace processes. These achievements were complemented by initiatives that reinforced gender equality advocacy and institutional capacity. UN Women facilitated key events, including International Women�s Day and the 16 Days of Activism, amplifying awareness on critical issues affecting women and girls. UN Women also continued its leadership role in coordinating gender-responsive governance through workshops, consultations, and operational support to key government initiatives. By stabilizing and strengthening partnerships, addressing challenges, and aligning national priorities with international frameworks, UN Women laid a robust foundation for sustained progress in advancing gender equality and inclusive governance in Iraq

In 2023, UN Women's programming and impact was evident in a number of propogrammes and activities, including WPP, WEE, WPS and EVAW. Through this programing which included economic and social empowerment of vulnerable women and girls, UN Women's work directly contributed to SDG 5 (Gender Equality). On the 18th of December 2023, Iraq held provincial council elections, amidst ongoing challenges and political instability between established political class and groups seeking to challenge. Provincial council elections hold extraordinary power in Iraq as such councils wield financial legislative and executive powers in their localities, especially given the fact that they are not subject to supervision of ministries. This includes broad administrative powers and an independent financial system. Elected members of these councils will in turn select governors and form local governments, making supporting women�s representation essential. The elections also hold a special importance as they were last held more than 10 years ago and had suffered significant delays. As such, in 2023 UNWomen Iraq supported the provincial elections through a number of high level activities, including holding coordination efforts with key stakeholders such as the High Electoral Commission, Parliamentary committees, and other governmental counterparts. This resulted in the development of a Women�s Political Participation workplan for the elections, as well as raising the issue at the highest level. Additionally UN Women Iraq trained a number of female candidates and aspirants looking to run for provincial elections. In addition UN Women Iraq worked in 2023 through sustainable partnerships which included civil society organizations and governmental entities. Most significantly, UNW programing successfully contributed to support national women machineries and address structural barriers by focusing on economic opportunities, governance advancements, community support, violence against women, and women�s leadership and political participation.