Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Interior Reber Ahmed announced in a post on X on Tuesday that he had chaired a KRG board meeting to announce the Kurdistan Region’s third action plan for the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on women, peace, and security.

UNSCR 1325 acknowledges that peace and security measures are only sustainable if women are equal partners in peace processes, and calls for women’s inclusion in every stage of preventing conflict and building peace in their countries.

“This new phase strengthens our commitment to women’s empowerment, legal protections, and economic stability,” Ahmed wrote. 

Chaired a #KRG Board meeting today to announce the 3rd Action Plan for the implementation of #UNSCR1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. This new phase strengthens our commitment to women’s empowerment, legal protections, and economic stability. Thank you to our partners,… pic.twitter.com/TgWoTq2wrt

— Rêber Ahmed (@RayberAhmed) November 12, 2024

“Thank you to our partners, UN Women in Iraq, non-governmental organizations, and all supporters for standing with us in building a secure and inclusive society. The KRG is committed to ensuring women’s voices lead the way to peace and justice.”

During an event on October 22, the 24th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Iraq Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai stated that “Iraq has made significant strides in enhancing women’s roles in peacebuilding, governance, and decision-making, setting a valuable example for the region.”

“With its first two national action plans and a third in development, Iraq has established a robust framework for women’s rights and participation,” he added.

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani previously underlined the KRG’s support for women’s rights on International Women’s Day, which is held annually on March 8.

“A stronger Kurdistan means an equal, safe, and prosperous future for all women and girls,” he posted on X.

The KRG Directorate of Combating Violence Against Women and Family helps spearhead initiatives to support women’s rights.

On November 11, 2024, the Directorate held a special workshop with journalists, in which Colonel Safin Taher, Director of Combating Violence Against Women and Family in Erbil, explained that the directorate was established after the Kurdistan Parliament issued a law in 2011 against domestic violence.

“We have also discussed the importance of early education on gender-based violence with the Ministry of Education, advocating for material on this issue to be included in school curricula. Educating children from a young age on the significance of violence prevention is crucial,” he said.

“Based on the gender-based violence law, we now have specialized judges and courts dedicated to handling violence cases. Additionally, we maintain contact with trained social workers, who serve as representatives in schools. They are responsible for managing any cases of violence that arise, especially in elementary schools.”

During the training, human rights trainer Payraw Anwar discussed gender-based violence, its impact on families, and the media's role in prevention, while Major Karwan Jamel, head of the directorate’s media and communication department, focused on digital safety.