Supporting Women Survivors of War

In strongly patriarchal societies such as Nigeria and Iraq, it is often difficult for women to participate in decision-making forums that affect their livelihood. The existing attitudes regarding women’s rights are usually negative and this affects them both in their own home but also out in society.

With this project, Women for Women International will empower more than 200 women across Iraq and Nigeria to achieve critical changes in their communities. It seeks to strengthen enabling environments to advance women’s freedom of speech and expression, as well as women’s ability to participate in decision-making and democratic processes.

The project was supported with SEK 2 430 000.

What does the project deliver?

The project consists of 3 parts:

– 225 women, mainly living in marginalized areas of Iraq and Nigeria undergo the “Change agents” training to gain knowledge and tools for self-determination and participation in social decisions,
– The second part is a collaboration with local women’s rights organizations in both countries for studies that takes into consideration the local context.
– The third part is an assessment of the programme’s potential to be adapted and more widely scaled, enabling more marginalised women survivors of war and conflict to have their voices heard and to engage in decision-making processes.

Why do we support this project?

By strengthening women and girls in societies with strong patriarchal systems through education, you create better conditions for creating long-term change and counteract social norms and customs that sanction inequality and violence.