IWPR Iraq Highlights Problems Faced by Women

 In August, women’s activists and journalists acknowledged that IWPR’s work in Iraq has raised awareness of women’s issues. Its reports have even captured the attention of the country’s policy makers, they said.

“It makes me really happy to have journalism institutions like IWPR which really care about women rights and takes their jobs seriously”
Zaineb Arshad, Kirkuk-based women’s rights activist

“It makes me really happy to have journalism institutions like IWPR which really care about women rights and takes their jobs seriously,” said Zaineb Arshad, a women’s rights activist based in Kirkuk.

“I’ve read several articles about women on the Institute’s website. These articles and stories are really shedding lights on important issues concerning different aspects of women lives.”

Meanwhile, Chrow Omsan Hawrami, director of women’s affairs for the Sulaimaniyah-based Iraqi Council for Peace and Cooperation which promotes peace and reconciliation, said that IWPR’s reporting has worked “directly for women and has played a strong role in helping women get their voices heard with relevant parties.

“IWPR is always trying to develop [female reporters’] skills and empower them. [Their] reports urge women’s organisations to make stronger efforts for [women] and those in charge to find solutions for women's problems.”

Suhaila Omar, of the Kirkuk-based Mother and Child Organisation, said IWPR’s reports were improving conditions for women because they “attract the attention of the country’s decision-makers”.