Monday 8 March 2021 marks International Women's Day - a day to celebrate the millions of incredible women and girls around the world who fight every day to make the world a better place.
Through our work we strive to ensure that every girl living in a conflict zone has access to education, is aware of her rights and has the tools she needs to grow up as an equal.
Women and girls living through conflict face a unique set of challenges. They are more likely to experience gender-based violence, including sexual violence, forced marriage, limited access to education and job opportunities.
During the Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign in November 2020, our team in Iraq delivered an important campaign to raise awareness of the devastating impact of Covid-19 on gender-based violence to some of the poorest communities in the country.
This is just one example of how our work with women and girls is transforming lives.
The campaign was formed of three key parts:
1. An online awareness-raising campaign
The online activity had two goals:
Amplifying female voices – women were asked to share their views on how men and boys in their local community could better support women during the pandemic.
Raising awareness with men and boys – the women’s messages were shared with men and boys in the local community. This was done via social media and SMS, the latter reaching 237 men and boys aged 15 and older. In addition, posters displaying the messages were displayed in public spaces, including health centres, stores, schools and markets.
Women are afraid of the virus, they are afraid of going outside, but are also afraid of violence in their households. Men must stop violence against women, and instead start respecting us and our feelings.Shaimaa, aged 35, Iraq.
2. Distribution of hygiene kits for women and girls
Local staff identified vulnerable girls and women of reproductive age through War Child multi-purpose centres who would benefit from receiving hygiene kits.
The kits contained essential items such as underwear, soap and sanitary pads. In addition to this, we included a War Child leaflet outlining available services for women and girls experiencing the impacts of the pandemic, including case management, psychological support, health centres, police contact details and the Covid-19 hotline. During the pandemic, many of these facilities either closed or had to modify their provision, making it hard for women to access the services they needed. This information was accompanied by messages on how Covid-19 can increase the risk of gender-based violence, and some tips on what to do if women find themselves in that situation.
We delivered 400 kits in total across two key communities in northern Iraq.
You should still allow your daughters to attend activities and education because education is like a light in their life. We have to encourage both girls and boys to attend such activities to empower them, and improve their psychological state.Shereen, aged 41, Iraq.
3. Face-to-face activities
On the last day of the campaign, War Child Iraq staff organised face-to-face activities with 50 participants. These activities were held in smaller groups, in locations where social distancing could be followed and PPE was provided.
The activities included awareness-raising about domestic violence via theatre, painting, games and creative workshops.
