Outcome IRQ_D_8.1

Strengthened and effective inclusive, people centred, gender-responsive, human rights-based policies and national systems contribute to gender equality, the promotion of protection, social protection, social cohesion and peaceful societies, with focus on the most vulnerable populations, including women, youth and minorities

Iraqi Government and key stakeholders (including non-ministerial entities) developed and are now able to use 8 sectoral action plans at federal level and 1 action plan at regional level in Kurdistan to strengthen the implementation of the UNSCR1325 NAPII at the national and local (governorate) level. The plans clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of governmental entities and civil society actors with regards to the implementation of INAP II pillars. As such, they represent an effective gender-responsive and human-rights based tool that will be used by all relevant stakeholders for comprehensive implementation, monitoring and reporting of progress and results related to the promotion and protection of women and girls’ rights as well as for the promotion of protection, social protection, social cohesion and peaceful societies, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations, including women, youth and minorities. UN Women provided technical and coordination support during the planning process. Furthermore, women leaders are able to contribute to building peaceful societies, raise awareness on the importance of women inclusion in peacebuilding and promote the implementation of the WPS Agenda through their engagement in the implementation of action plans.

Strengthened and effective inclusive, people centred, gender-responsive, human rights-based policies and national systems contribute to gender equality, the promotion of protection, social protection, social cohesion and peaceful societies, with focus on the most vulnerable populations, including women, youth and minorities

Strengthened and effective inclusive, gender-responsive, and human rights-based policies and systems have contributed to advancing gender equality, protection, social protection, and social cohesion, particularly for vulnerable populations, including women, youth, and minorities. Capacity-building initiatives targeted 25 institutions, including the development of a gender-disaggregated data platform and training for ministry focal points, enhancing the ability of national systems to address gender inequality and promote inclusive policies. These efforts support the creation of peaceful and cohesive societies by prioritizing the needs of vulnerable groups.

Strengthened and effective inclusive, people centred, gender-responsive, human rights-based policies and national systems contribute to gender equality, the promotion of protection, social protection, social cohesion and peaceful societies, with focus on the most vulnerable populations, including women, youth and minorities

Under this outcome, UN Women through a set of key interlinked outputs and activities was able to successfully support the advancement of key priorities for women and girls, specifically relating to Gender Based Violence and Women’s Political Participation. This included supporting national women machineries at both the local and federal level to ensure advancements on both fronts. This included supporting female aspirants who are looking to run for elections, as well as consensus building on a political participation work plan for women, while also supporting enhancing pathways for support to women and girls survivors of GBV.