Conflict Resolution, Communication Skills and Organizational Management - A Capacity-building Workshop for Iraqi Women Leaders

This report documents a workshop to train Iraqi women leaders in tools and procedures to enhance their effectiveness and that of their organizations. UNFPA has long recognized the distinct experience of women in conflict and post-conflict settings and has developed a strategy for gender mainstreaming in such situations. The workshop trained leaders of Iraqi NGOs in the skills to participate in rehabilitation and peace processes. The Women, Peace and Security Initiative in the Technical Support Division of UNFPA sponsored the workshop, under the overall coordination of Ms. Sahir Abdul-Hadi, Senior Technical Adviser. The training was provided by four facilitators: Lesley Abdela, Senior Partner, Shevolution; Eleni Kyrou, Lecturer, Development Planning Unit, University of London; Fotini Sianou, President, Centre for Research and Action on Peace (KEDE); and Eleni Stamiris, Board of Directors, Mediterranean Women’s Studies Centre (KEGME). Participants were drawn from 19 Iraqi organizations that provided health or other social services or were advocates for women’s rights and human rights generally. Participants were invited to view their situation in the light not only of constraints but also of opportunities, the opportunities that conflict may offer. Participants noted that in Iraq more NGOs were operating today in an increasingly more active civil society. Since 2004, despite the country’s dire security problems, the number of women working in NGOs has increased, challenging traditional gender roles, beliefs and practices.

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Contributor: Victor K. Mugarura
Published Date: March 7, 2008