On Monday, November 25, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) High Council for Women and Development, led by Khanzad Ahmad, initiated a joint campaign with the UN entitled “16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women”, marking the 24th anniversary of UNSC Resolution 1325. During the launch, Western diplomats praised the KRG’s commitment to protecting women’s rights.
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“As you know, the KRG, under the leadership of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, has taken significant steps in the past four years to combat gender-based violence. This year, we are marking the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security in parallel with the campaign, which adds even more significance to this occasion,” Ahmad said.
“As we all know, at the end of 2020, the federal government’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the High Council for Women and Development, in cooperation with technical and humanitarian partners such as the UN, implemented the Women’s Agenda for Peace and Security in Iraq.”
She added that this came after several important meetings between the Iraqi federal government and the KRG. “Following these discussions, we decided to create a national framework that includes action plans for both the federal government and the KRG to address women’s issues, focusing on the distinct needs and priorities of each government.”
“The KRG has committed to implementing this framework, ensuring coordination between all partners to successfully carry out its provisions. Additionally, the process was carefully monitored by the High Council for Women, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior,” she underlined.
She also expressed her deep gratitude to KRG Minister of Interior Reber Ahmed and to all those involved in implementing measures to protect women and ensure the safety of their communities.
“We are committed to improving women’s conditions and advancing their rights with the continued support of international partners and the federal government,” she concluded.
Thrilled to join the ceremony marking #16DaysOfActivism to combat violence against women and the 25th anniversary of #UNSCR1325. The #KRG reaffirms its commitment to equality, peace, and a violence-free future for all. pic.twitter.com/E604jGRaxt
— Rêber Ahmed (@RayberAhmed) November 25, 2024
At the event, Minister Ahmed underlined that “the KRG Ninth Cabinet has taken several practical steps to end gender-based violence. These include initiatives by the General Secretariat of the High Council of Women, police units, judiciary, and social counselors, all of which continue to play a crucial role in addressing these issues.”
Moreover, he underlined that under the directive of KRG Prime Minister Barzani, “no perpetrators of femicide shall be granted general amnesty. Strict measures have been implemented in this regard, and all police units have been instructed to ensure that no opportunity is missed to arrest and bring offenders to justice, ensuring they face the full extent of the law.”
Grand honneur de présenter les position et actions de la France dans la lutte contre les violences faites aux femmes, lors du lancement de la campagne mondiale #16JoursDActivisme, en présence des ministres @RayberAhmed et @KRG_Coordinator. Merci @DrKhanzad de votre invitation! pic.twitter.com/KBIfe5f2XL
— Yann Braem (@YannBraem) November 25, 2024
French Consul General Yann Braem in a post on X wrote that “it was a great honor to present France’s positions and actions in the fight against violence against women during the launch of the global campaign ‘16 Days of Activism,’ in the presence of Minister Reber Ahmed and the KRG Coordinator. Thank you, Dr. Khanzad, for your invitation!
“In France, we have made commitments to combat violence against women through prevention campaigns and the prosecution of perpetrators. Under President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, we have adopted policies that reaffirm our dedication to fighting violence against women as a national priority. At both the national and EU levels, France is deeply engaged in advancing women’s rights through feminist diplomacy, which has been a cornerstone of our foreign policy since 2019.”
“I want to thank our partners in the KRG for their support and commitment for giving us this opportunity to work with each other and reduce violence against women.”
Honored to participate in the KRG High Council for Women and Development’s launch of the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women campaign and to celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of UNSCR 1325 which reaffirms the important role women play in promoting peace. pic.twitter.com/Wo0tuBTrc5
— U.S. Consulate General Erbil (@USCGERBIL) November 25, 2024
U.S. Deputy Consul General Pam Hack on X posted that she was “honored to participate in the KRG High Council for Women and Development’s launch of the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women campaign and to celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of UNSCR 1325 which reaffirms the important role women play in promoting peace.
“This global campaign aims to raise awareness about violence against women and girls and to respond effectively to such violence. Spanning from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, this period serves as a critical time for governments and organizations to address gender-based violence in all its forms,” she said.
“I would like to thank our partners in the IKR (Kurdistan Region of Iraq) and we commend your efforts for the implementation of the Kurdistan portion of the Iraqi action plan. We are honored to join the fight to end gender-based violence in the Kurdistan Region.”
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Garik Hayrapetyan, UN Population Fund Iraq Deputy Representative, commended the Kurdistan Region’s leadership, particularly the High Council for Women and Development, for their tireless advocacy in promoting women’s leadership and participation.
Susan Leichtweiss, Program Manager at the German Corporation for International Cooperation in Iraq, said she was impressed by the first action plan by the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
“I was impressed not only by it, but also by the commitment of both government and civil society to increase women’s participation and to end violence against women and girls. We have witnessed strong dedication from all sectors – government, civil society, and other entities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq – to implement this plan and achieve its goals.
“Despite the challenges faced by the Kurdistan Region, there has been a collective effort to ensure the successful implementation of all its pillars. I am proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to the next steps in its progress.”
At the 2024 Middle East Peace and Security Forum on November 23, Prime Minister Barzani also underlined the KRG’s commitment to women’s rights.
“Over the years, we have tried to give more power to women by promoting their participation in Parliament,” he stated.
“There are many parliamentarians, ministers in the cabinet, many directors, and many administrators that are women, and many women are now very successful businesswomen. We are trying to give them equal opportunities.”
