Expanding Pathways for Women to Drive Change in Southern Iraq
USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) is partnering with women-led organizations in Dhi Qar and Basrah provinces to expand pathways for women to address some of southern Iraq’s most pressing issues, including climate and education. With USAID/OTI support, Sobat Cultural House met with 15 women in Basrah’s marshlands earlier this year to document how water scarcity is affecting the Ahwaris, also known as the Marsh Arabs. Their stories, captured in a series of photos and short videos, highlight the devastating impact of climate change on women’s lives and livelihoods, but also the unique ecosystem of the marshlands and the heritage of the Ahwaris.
“We provide a different point of view,” explains Nawal Jwaid, founder and head of Sobat Cultural House, referring to the role of women leaders.
“We’re able to give marginalized women a voice.”
Sobat Cultural House harnessed the power of social media to amplify their voices, helping to raise awareness about the Marshes and advocate for their protection. Many women in the region continue to have minimal contact with men who are not family members, limiting their participation in public affairs, despite their potential to serve as sources of resilience. As such, women leaders and women-led organizations have a unique capacity to reach women and give them agency to drive change.
"Women feel safer when contacted by other women," says Nawal, reflecting on her experience in Basrah’s marshlands.
In Dhi Qar, USAID/OTI supported three women-led organizations to advance education priorities together with local communities in Nasiriyah and Islah districts. Successes included renovating three schools with the help of 120 volunteers, furnishing and equipping 14 schools, distributing school bags for 8,777 students, and reactivating five parent councils. Women were involved throughout, including as volunteers for school cleaning and repairs.
The Ur Organization for Women Child and Culture mobilized 225 women to participate in a series of consultations between residents and local government representatives. “I think it was the first time for women in these areas to be consulted on a community-related matter,” says Ur Organization founder Muna al-Hilali, explaining further that “Dhi Qar is a tribal society, so women are not allowed to respond to men’s requests or invitations.” Looking back at how these activities impacted women, Muna says, "They became more confident in themselves and their ability to create change.”
In pursuit of more resilient communities in Iraq, USAID/OTI is committed to the meaningful participation and leadership of Iraqi women in providing solutions to community-identified priorities.