On May 3-4, the Women's Voices Without Borders international forum was held in Erbil, organized by French nonprofit Humanitarian Aid and Journalism (AHJ) with support from France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs – another testament to the strong relationship between France and the Kurdistan Region.

Shayda Hessami, Executive Director of AHJ, said that the forum addressed issues like global equality, environmental challenges, and the issues related to climate change that deeply impact women. “These are complex problems, but Kurdish women are fighting for change, and we have established a strong voice in combating these issues.

“In 2021, we founded this network, and today, we have more than 300 journalists from across the Middle East, as well as an international network,” she added. 

Happening now in #Hawler! Panel on Media, Women and artificial intelligence. Quickstart for the 2nd day of the International Forum of Women's voices without Borders #VfsfForum1, organised by @AHJ_org, with the support of @francediplo_EN, in presence of Ambassador @RomeIsabelle. pic.twitter.com/lhMFvHwSEQ

— Yann Braem (@YannBraem) May 4, 2025

“I want to thank all our partners for their unwavering commitment. I commend the work of the AHJ in supporting the training of women journalists throughout the broader Middle East region,” France’s Consul General in Erbil Yann Braem said at the event.

“Thanks also to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), especially for its strong support for this forum and other joint actions in favor of gender equality. Without your active support, we would not be able to hold this forum.

“I am particularly pleased that this event is taking place in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. While the President of the Republic received the President of the Kurdistan Region less than three weeks ago, and the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs visited Erbil just over a week ago, the holding of this forum is for us yet another demonstration of the close relationship between France and Kurdistan,” he added.

Read More: French and Kurdish Presidents Discuss Enhanced Cooperation

On April 14, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and France’s President Emmanuel Macron met at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, to discuss opportunities for strengthening France’s relations with the Kurdistan Region.

“The decision to host this forum in Erbil reflects the role of the Kurdistan Region as an environment for coexistence and progress. Despite all challenges and obstacles, it is a place that supports freedom of the press and women’s rights, and encourages women to take an active role in society,” Nazand Begikhani, Vincent Wright Visiting Professor at Sciences Po, Paris, said at the forum.

Saturday marked the start of the opening two-day #international conference, #Women's Voice Without Borders, in #Erbil. With the help of the #French government, 60 powerful #women from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East are attending the meeting. pic.twitter.com/8CDW6tmijg

— High Council for Women and Development (HCWD) (@HighHcwa) May 4, 2025

“Supporting women’s voices and their true participation in the leadership and the process of governance is not mere propaganda, but a moral responsibility of all decision-makers, from the Presidency, the government, and its institutions, to media channels, civil society, and nongovernmental organizations.”

At the event, Khanzad Ahmad, Secretary-General of the High Council of Women’s Affairs (HCWA), said that the event discussed obstacles that women face, particularly in the context of modern challenges such as human rights, climate change, and artificial intelligence.

“These are crucial areas where there are significant opportunities to reshape the world. If people are ready to listen to us, especially to women who face these obstacles, we will have the chance to make real change.”

Secretary-General Ahmad also said that “women journalists amplify the voices of communities – especially Yezidis and women – whose stories are often overlooked. Women journalists play a key role in making these voices heard.”

At the event, France’s Ambassador at Large for Human Rights Isabelle Rome said she was deeply impressed by the work of female journalists.

“I was also struck by the determination and professionalism of women journalists who often work at the risk of their lives to bring painful truths to the public – realities we cannot turn away from,” she said. “That is why it seemed essential for me to come to Iraq, to Kurdistan, to take part in these days of exchange, reflection, and work.”

Read More: Kurdistan-France: A Diplomatic Vision

Ambassador Rome told Kurdistan Chronicle at the sidelines of the event that she had planned meetings with Kurdish officials and that it was her first time visiting the Kurdistan Region.

She had meetings with HCWA Secretary-General Khanzad Ahmad, Senior Advisor to Prime Minister Masrour Barzani Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations Safeen Dizayee, Dr. Dindar Zebari, the KRG Coordinator for International Advocacy.

“We discussed humanitarian issues and current developments, emphasizing peaceful coexistence and rights of all individuals and diverse components,” Dizayee posted on X about the meeting with the French Ambassador.

Furthermore, she will visit the French hospital in Sinjar, which is under construction.

“Being here today, on the ground, is for me a gesture of support and solidarity – and a chance to pay tribute, in person, to those who, with courage, commit themselves every day to the pursuit of truth,” Ambassador Rome said in her speech. “This commitment takes on particular significance in today’s context, as we face a period marked by terror and oppression; the multiplication of armed conflicts; the normalization of hate speech; and the resurgence of an authoritarian international movement that systematically targets women, minorities, and freedoms.

“However, as Ambassador for Human Rights and former Minister for Gender Equality, I’ve also learned something essential: if women are often the first targets of repression, they are also the most ardent defenders of peace, justice, and democracy.”