On April 23, 2025, Nineveh Women’s Organization, in collaboration with Better World Organization for Community Development (BWOCD) and CARE Iraq, and with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), organized a pivotal workshop focused on advancing women’s roles in local governance in Ninewa. The event marked a significant step toward fostering inclusive decision-making processes in the region, highlighting the importance of women’s active participation in shaping policies that affect their communities.
Aligned with the UN Women, Peace, and Security Agenda (Resolution 1325), the workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including policymakers, civil society representatives, community leaders, and development practitioners. Among the attendees was Mr. Eidan Shvan Shro, Deputy of the Nineveh Provincial Council, who played a key role in establishing a dedicated committee to promote and monitor women’s inclusion in decision-making spaces across local government institutions.
The workshop provided a dynamic platform for open discussion, where participants explored the persistent challenges women face in leadership roles, including social barriers, limited access to resources, and the need for supportive policy frameworks. Through interactive sessions and collaborative dialogue, attendees identified actionable strategies to enhance women’s representation, influence, and participation in local governance processes.
Importantly, several decision-makers publicly expressed their commitment to creating opportunities for women within government structures, signaling a tangible shift toward inclusive governance in Ninewa. These commitments included proposals to reserve positions for women in key decision-making bodies and initiatives to provide mentorship and capacity-building programs for aspiring women leaders.
By fostering collaboration between government officials, civil society, and community organizations, this workshop represents a crucial step in ensuring that women’s voices are heard and valued in shaping the future of Ninewa. It also reinforces the broader vision of sustainable development, peace, and security, emphasizing that inclusive governance is not only a matter of equity but also a driver of more effective and responsive local decision-making.
The event’s outcomes serve as a foundation for continued advocacy and follow-up actions to empower women across Ninewa, demonstrating that meaningful participation is both achievable and essential for building resilient and equitable communities.
