#InvestInWomen: Iraqi women play key role in building a prosperous society
Women’s rights are human rights. Strengthening women’s rights and their participation in society builds the foundation for more peaceful and prosperous societies. That is why GIZ pays attention to women’s needs throughout its programming and implementation.
We encourage women to actively participate in dialogue activities and decision-making processes, for example when it comes to shaping societies and combating #climate change – paving the way for more #sustainable and #inclusive impact.
Women are often underrepresented is local governance processes. Water scarcity, limited public services and a lack of infrastructure affect women’s lives tremendously, too. That is why, together with Oxfam, we have supported public dialogues in finding solutions in Diyala and Ninewa. Offering safe spaces and raising awareness among men on why women’s voices count, women have increasingly participated and actively contributed their perspectives. One great success: After raising concerns about the dark streets which might negatively affect security at night, especially for women, local authorities set up streetlights – a benefit for everyone.
Looking at climate change, the challenges women face because of climate-induced hazards is oftentimes overlooked. To drive sustainable solutions, women must be actively integrated into decision- making processes. As part of our broader support on climate change mitigation and peace, we brought together over 40 civil society organisations and women activists to address the impact of climate change focusing on various social dimensions. Together, the participants discussed and developed strategies to mitigate climate change effectively.
When it comes to economic participation, only 12 per cent of Iraq’s workforce are women – a low value compared to other countries globally and in the region. Often being overlooked by potential employers, GIZ and its partners specifically encourage women to participate in training and short-term employment opportunities.
Most women work in government rather than the private sector as these jobs are more established and promise more long-term stability. Working in the private sector might also be perceived as prone to abusive work environments. That is why, together with businesses, GIZ has worked on creating effective policies for safe work environments without sexual harassment and on how dealing with misconduct.
To foster women’s economic participation, we work towards enhancing access to financial services, for example opening bank accounts and obtaining loans, by supporting the Central Bank of Iraq in introducing the national financial inclusion strategy. This strategy takes the needs of women and women-led businesses into consideration.
In our professional skills, entrepreneurship and business development trainings, women demonstrate their talent, ideas, and hard work, and that they have the power to drive their own lives and economy forward. One inspiring example is Aseel Tahir from Basra: She started her handicrafts and knitting business in 2017 and now, after receiving support from the Basra Businesswomen Centre, acts as a coach and mentor for other founders herself.
Ravin Rizgar is the founder of Suli Innovation House, a successful innovation hub. Supported by GIZ, Ravin built Suli Innovation House from the ground up. Her vision was to build a community in Sulaymaniyah, creating a space for women passionate about technology and innovation, who, despite specialised degrees, struggle to find employment opportunities. The hub provides tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, PLC machines and CNC machine to bring the ideas of – future – entrepreneurs to life.
On today's International Women's Day we celebrate all women inspiring us in our work and beyond and look forward into an inclusive future with equal opportunities.
