ORGANIZATIONAL VISION

WforP aspires to a society founded on peace and social justice, in which the fundamental rights of every human being are respected and guaranteed; and where women are present at all levels of the decision making process both in the public and in the private sphere

ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

WforP aims at a full integration of women in Iraqi society by focusing on their needs and their rights

Specifically the organization works to :

Promote a society based on social justice, equality and human rights;   

Alleviate the suffering of women living in poverty;

Promote the political participation of women;

Protect women’s rights through practical actions;

Empower women to be self-relying and independent;

HISTORY OF ORGANIZATION

WforP was founded in 2003 and since then it has been very active in Iraq. During this time, WforP has been able to implement many different projects providing women with a range of services, including humanitarian relief, educational activities, psychosocial services and protection programs 

WforP established strong links both with international and local organizations

The organization is progressively becoming an important advocating actor regarding the many needs of women in Iraq and ways of addressing them

WforP has always worked independently from any political, religious, or other kind of influences

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PROJECTS AND SERVICES

The organization has increasingly focused its efforts on the protection of women over the years

In 2005, WforP carried out a series of consultative workshops for women organizations on the writing of the new constitution

In 2005-2006 the organization has organized awareness raising events throughout the country on the constitutional referendum and encouraging women’s participation. In the same year, another national campaign was implemented to oppose violence against women

In 2007-8, the NGO has carried out extended awareness raising sessions on women’s rights and non violence with the participation of the Governments and of the local community

In 2008 WforP established a community centre in Baghdad offering psychosocial, medical and legal assistance to women in need

In 2009-10 WforP carried out a programme focusing on developing the capacity of legal practitioners to understand and apply international and domestic legal instruments for the protection of women’s rights. The programme focused on the promotion of CEDAW at different levels. A booklet called CEDAW in the Iraqi Legal System was produced and distributed to all actors concerned with the protection of women

In 2011-2012 WforP implemented a project on the prevention of early and forced marriage. The project included trainings of human right activists and lawyers, legal aid, awareness raising activities envisaging a strong community mobilization.  A short video-documentary on early and forced marriage has been produced by the organization

From 2009 to present, WforP has further developed the capacity of the community centre by consolidating psycho-social and legal services for vulnerable women and girls, vocational trainings, educational and kindergarten services for children, awareness raising activities for local communities. The organization has also strengthened its work with lawyers, judges and prosecutors on CEDAW and is currently developing deep relationships with schools and Universities, particularly the Faculties of Law

DONORS AND PARTNERSHIPS

WforP is part of the Iraqi Women Network gathering about 85 NGOs working with women around the country
Besides its credibility among civil society actors in Iraq, WforP has successfully cooperated with UN agencies and international NGOs
WforP has progressively increased and consolidated its programmes with the support of different international donors such UNIFEM, UNOPS, Oxfam UK, CWS, International Organization for Migration, CIDA, Open Society Foundation, Foundation for the Future, Kvinna til Kvinna

ACHIEVEMENTS

Across its consolidated expertise, WforP has reached a thorough understanding of the Iraqi political, social and legal environment and it is thus able to operate in this very complex context through its credibility with key partners and stakeholders  

WforP has progressively developed a strategic approach to advancing women’s rights in the society, which is strongly based on consideration of the local scenarios

Additionally, it built up important links at all levels of the local community, the civil society and the government. WforP position in the local context guarantees the possibility of working at many different levels, from the grassroots to the government, while still maintaining its independence

STAFF SIZE AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
WforP has 12 staff members, 7 are employed full time and 5 part time. WforP is comprised by a Board of Trustees, an executive Director, the management staff, social workers, lawyers and about 20 volunteers