The Iraqi Institution for Development (IID) implemented the “Naseej” project in partnership with Oxfam, with the aim of contributing to the reduction of gender-based violence and strengthening the role of women and girls in society. The project was implemented in Diyala Governorate – Khanaqin District during the period from 1 February 2021 to 30 April 2022.
This project was designed in response to the social and economic challenges faced by women and girls, particularly the widespread occurrence of various forms of domestic violence and gender-based violence, including physical, psychological, economic, and sexual violence. The project addressed these challenges through a comprehensive set of activities focusing on psychosocial and legal support, capacity building, community awareness, and the economic and social empowerment of women.
Project Objectives
The project focused on achieving several key objectives, most notably:
1. Strengthening community efforts to combat gender-based violence and sexual violence in the local community.
2. Empowering women and girls and enhancing their capacities to better confront violence and defend their rights.
3. Raising community awareness about women’s rights and mechanisms for reporting cases of violence.
4. Strengthening cooperation between governmental institutions and civil society organizations to improve support services provided to survivors of violence.
5. Engaging young men and women in social change initiatives and promoting their role in combating violence against women and girls.
Project Implementation Methodology:
The project adopted a comprehensive approach combining prevention, protection, and empowerment,A variety of activities were implemented targeting women, girls, youth, and the broader community. The project also focused on creating a safe and supportive environment where women survivors of violence could access services with confidentiality, dignity, and respect.
Implementation was carried out by a specialized team consisting of social workers, lawyers, trainers, and community activists, The team provided direct support services, organized awareness sessions and training workshops, and built partnerships with governmental institutions and community organizations.
Establishment of a Safe Space for Women
One of the most significant achievements of the project was the establishment of a safe center in Khanaqin District, aimed at providing a range of services to women and girls, including:
- Psychosocial support
- Legal consultations
- Case management and referrals
- Legal and rights awareness
- Training courses and community activities
The center was staffed by a specialized team including social workers, female lawyers, and trainers, in addition to community mobilizers who worked to engage with the local community and inform women about the available services.
Enhancing Community Awareness on Gender-Based Violence:The project organized a series of awareness sessions and workshops targeting women and girls in the local community. These sessions aimed to increase awareness about:
- The concept of gender-based violence
- Different forms of violence
- Women’s legal rights
- Mechanisms for reporting violence
- Available services for survivors of violence
More than 1,500 beneficiaries from different age groups participated in these activities. The sessions were conducted regularly in interactive formats, helping to strengthen knowledge among women and girls and encouraging them to seek support when needed.
Provision of Psychosocial Support Services
The project provided psychosocial support services to women and girls who had survived violence. Many beneficiaries received individual counseling sessions that helped them overcome the psychological and social impacts of violence.
Approximately 500 cases received psychosocial support during the project implementation period. These sessions helped women rebuild their self-confidence and strengthen their ability to cope with life challenges.
An integrated case management system was also adopted to ensure proper follow-up of beneficiaries and the provision of appropriate services according to their needs.
Legal Support for Women
In addition to psychosocial support, the project provided legal consultation and legal representation to women who had experienced violence, blackmail, or harassment.
These services included:
- Providing legal consultations
- Following up legal cases before courts
- Preparing legal authorizations and documentation
- Guiding women through appropriate legal procedures
These efforts contributed to restoring the rights of many women and enabling them to confront legal violations they had experienced.
Women’s Economic Empowerment:
The project also focused on economic empowerment of women by organizing vocational training courses that helped them acquire new skills to improve their economic conditions.
These trainings included:
- Sewing and tailoring training
- Knitting and embroidery training
- Beauty and cosmetology training
Dozens of women and girls benefited from these trainings and acquired practical skills that enabled them to enter the labor market or start their own small businesses.
Youth Engagement in Social Change:
The project paid special attention to engaging young men and women in efforts to combat violence against women. Training programs were organized focusing on:
- Leadership skills
- Community initiative development
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Community advocacy
More than 80 young men and women participated in these programs, helping to create a network of active youth capable of supporting positive change within their communities.
Strengthening Referral Systems
The project worked to strengthen cooperation among various institutions by establishing an effective referral system linking governmental entities, civil society organizations, and service providers.
Several women survivors of violence were referred to specialized institutions to receive additional services such as:
- Health services
- Financial assistance
- Humanitarian support
- Specialized legal services
The project also coordinated with Khanaqin Hospital and relevant government departments to facilitate women’s access to essential services.
Documentation of Success Stories
During the implementation of the project, the Iraqi Institution for Development (IID) documented several success stories highlighting the resilience of women who overcame violence and rebuilt their lives. These stories contributed to raising community awareness and emphasizing the importance of supporting survivors of violence.
Project Impact
- The project achieved several important outcomes, including:
- Increasing community awareness of issues related to violence against women and girls.
- Providing psychosocial and legal support services to hundreds of women survivors of violence.
- Economically empowering many women through vocational training programs.
- Strengthening youth participation in social change initiatives.
- Developing a network of cooperation between government institutions and civil society organizations to improve services for women.
Conclusion
The “Naseej” project represents an important example of collaborative work between civil society organizations and international partners to combat gender-based violence and promote women’s rights.
The experience demonstrated that providing psychosocial, legal, and economic support to women can create meaningful change in their lives and help them regain their active role in society.
The Iraqi Institution for Development (IID) reaffirms its continued commitment to promoting social justice, empowering women and girls, and contributing to building a more just and safer society for all.