The Iraqi Institution for Development (IID) implemented a specialized project on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response between women and men in Nineveh Governorate, with a particular focus on women and girls returning from Al-Hol Camp, including those residing in Al-Amal Camp. The project was implemented in partnership with UN Women during the period from 1 March 2025 to 31 March 2026, adopting a comprehensive package of technical interventions combining direct service provision, capacity building of service providers, and strengthening institutional systems and referral mechanisms.
The project activities focused on delivering MHPSS services within Al-Amal Camp and targeted areas, where individual and group psychosocial support sessions were provided to approximately 300 women and girls, while taking into account the family and social context, including the dynamics of gender-based violence between women and men. These sessions included specialized interventions aimed at addressing trauma resulting from GBV, improving mental health, and enhancing overall well-being. Structured group support sessions were also conducted, contributing to strengthening resilience and social cohesion among beneficiaries within the camp.
In addition, a comprehensive case management system was implemented, through which more than 120 individual cases were managed within Al-Amal Camp. These included cases related to gender-based violence between women and men, such as domestic, economic, and psychological violence. The process included psychosocial assessments, development of individualized response plans, provision of protection services, and referrals to specialized services such as healthcare, legal aid, and social protection, in coordination with government entities and partner organizations.
Regarding GBV response, specialized services were provided to survivors of violence within Al-Amal Camp, with a strong focus on various forms of violence occurring between women and men within families and communities. Dozens of cases were supported through targeted psychosocial sessions and GBV case management services, while ensuring confidentiality and adherence to the survivor-centered approach. Awareness sessions were also conducted on reporting pathways and available services, in addition to enhancing community understanding of GBV and its impact on family and social stability.
The project also implemented capacity-building programs targeting local service providers, with more than 40 frontline workers participating in specialized trainings that covered GBV concepts between women and men, response mechanisms, case management, Psychological First Aid (PFA), and multi-sectoral referral pathways. These trainings contributed to improving service quality and strengthening the understanding of GBV dynamics within families and communities.
At the community level, more than 25 awareness sessions were conducted within Al-Amal Camp, reaching over 400 community members. These sessions focused on reducing stigma associated with mental health and GBV, raising awareness of women’s rights, and promoting healthy and respectful relationships between women and men based on mutual respect and non-violence.
The project also strengthened coordination mechanisms with camp management, government institutions, and service providers, including the Ministry of Migration and Displacement and the Nineveh Health Directorate. This resulted in the activation of an effective referral system linking various service providers and improving access to integrated services, particularly for cases related to domestic and gender-based violence.
These activities led to significant results, including noticeable improvements in the mental health and well-being of women beneficiaries within Al-Amal Camp, increased access to protection services, strengthened capacity of local service providers to respond to GBV between women and men, improved institutional coordination, and reduced levels of social stigma within the community.
This project represents an advanced model of integrated interventions in displacement settings, combining direct service delivery, capacity building, and institutional coordination, with a strong focus on addressing the root causes of gender-based violence between women and men. It contributes to enhancing social stability and supporting the safe reintegration of women and girls within Al-Amal Camp and host communities.