Better World Organization for Community Development (BWOCD) is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Joint Crisis Coordination Centre (JCC) and the High Council of Women and Development (HCWD). Supported by UN Women and the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), this partnership marks a significant milestone in BWOCD’s ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s leadership in crisis response and promote gender equality across Duhok Governorate.
This collaboration comes at a time when inclusive and effective crisis response is more important than ever. By integrating women into leadership roles within local emergency and humanitarian frameworks, the initiative aims to ensure that community responses to crises are more comprehensive, equitable, and sustainable. One of the key goals of this partnership is the establishment of women-led crisis response committees, which will empower women to actively participate in planning and implementing emergency strategies that address the needs of all community members.
In addition to forming these committees, the initiative will focus on building leadership skills among young women and local actors. Through targeted training, mentorship programs, and practical engagement in crisis management, participants will gain the knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills necessary to take on leadership roles. This approach not only strengthens individual capacities but also fosters a culture of inclusive leadership that prioritizes women’s voices in critical decision-making spaces.
The project also emphasizes the importance of inclusive, gender-responsive crisis preparedness. By integrating women’s perspectives into local planning processes, communities will be better equipped to respond to emergencies in ways that meet the needs of all members, particularly the most vulnerable. This ensures that crisis response is not only effective but also equitable, reinforcing social cohesion and resilience within the region.
This milestone could not have been achieved without the dedicated support and collaboration of HCWD, JCC, and the countless individuals working behind the scenes to make this vision a reality. The MoU signifies a shared commitment to advancing women’s leadership, strengthening local governance, and creating more resilient and responsive communities in Duhok.
This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in BWOCD’s mission to promote social development, equality, and empowerment. It demonstrates that by bringing together government institutions, civil society, and international partners, real and lasting change is possible.
