National Democratic Institute

Purpose

The project aims to enhance the role of women in local governance, transform the way local councils interact with women, and improve local government’s responsiveness to key issues identified by women advocates in five areas of Iraq that were retaken from or are vulnerable to Daesh. The project aims to create and support five women’s advisory boards in Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa and Salahaddin. Through these advisory boards and local councils, women elaborate development plans that include community interests and prioritize the safe inclusion of women and girls. Project activities include: (1) empowering women to influence local decision-making by supplying them with research on community priorities; (2) building their organizing and advocacy skills; and (3) making financial resources available to women for local development projects.