In a consultative stakeholder meeting, Dr. Yusra Karim Mohsen, Director-General of the Department of Women Empowerment, at the General Secretariat for the Council of Ministers in Baghdad, welcomed in her office on Sunday, March 6, 2022 the administrative body of Women for Peace Network (WPN). The delegation was headed by Ms. Suzan Aref. Where the delegation congratulated Dr. Yousra on the occasion of International Women's Day, equally Dr. Yousra expressed her high appreciation for the efforts and cooperation of Women for Peace Network (WPN) with the department, in addition to supporting the implementation of the Second National plan for UNSCR 1325 in Iraq.
In the meeting, pressing issues were discussed related to the agenda of women, security and peace, and the role that civil society, women’s organizations and networks do in supporting government efforts, leading to tangible results that serve women and enhance their role in several areas. Dr. Yousra highlighted that the second national plan's programs and activities are being implemented in all governorates, even at the level of ministries, with good and tangible phases that contribute to enhancing women's active participation and influence in peace processes.
Furthermore, Dr. Yousra mentioned that they are working to follow up on the steps concerned with protection, and that they have been able to make efforts that have resulted in the Code of Conduct of the Internal Security Forces in a way that makes them responsive to gender requirements and ensuring criminal justice for women.
It is worth mentioning that the WPN delegation discussed with Dr. Yousra the importance of strengthening partnership with organizations and networks working on UNSCR 1325 and the need to cooperate in supporting the launch of initiatives that concern the affected groups of women in connection with the Women Empowerment Department’s direction towards including projects to support programs for women in the reconstruction plan within Ministries, including the Ministry of Planning. In addition, to professional development and training programs to create economic opportunities that serve women in the field of agriculture and industry, and work specifically on rural women through agricultural development projects and empower them to contribute to improving their economic conditions on one hand, and increase the national product and improve the environment and climate on the other hand.
The meeting dealt with several topics and issues to organize the relationship with organizations and networks and the role of the Women Empowerment Department in expanding and developing this partnership to reach the desired goals, including the implementation of the national plan for UNSCR 1325 and the sustainable development goals in a way that supports and enhances the role of women to prove their presence and its importance in conflict resolution and peacemaking.
