SCORING GIRLS* IRAQ

SCORING GIRLS* Iraq is an open and free program for girls aged 8 to 18 who live in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps or in host communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. We use soccer as a starting point to create secure and trusting environments where girls can build self-confidence, experience a sense of community, and develop their social skills. They receive psychosocial support that provides stability and helps them cope with traumatic experiences.

SCORING GIRLS* Iraq is an inclusive, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious project. We support girls in broadening their perspectives, trying new things, and actively participating in society.

In Iraq, we offer weekly soccer training sessions and workshops that strengthen physical health, self-confidence, and resilience. Our work is both trauma-informed and diversity-sensitive: girls experience secure and stabilizing environments where they can connect across ethnic and religious differences, build friendships, and actively shape a sense of community. In doing so, they develop key skills such as teamwork, fairness, and conflict resolution.

In addition, we provide psychosocial support and offer needs-based therapeutic assistance through our qualified professionals. We also provide support through the distribution of health and dignity kits containing essential hygiene and self-care items and empower participants through educational programs on topics such as gender-based violence (GBV), mental health, social participation. Role models – successful female athletes and committed individuals from sport, culture, and the community – inspire the girls and open up new perspectives. Dedicated Family Awareness Sessions provide opportunities for the girls’ families to take part in the project and discuss topics such as equality, the benefits of sports, communication skills, healthy boundaries, and practical ways families can support their daughters.

As part of the new project phase, we have initiated the Girls’ Leadership and Community Engagement Program to promote the girls’ leadership skills and their active participation in their communities. Selected participants from all three SCORING GIRLS* locations will take part in interactive leadership workshops, followed by a Leadership Exchange Day, where they will come together to exchange experiences and finalize their own Community Engagement Initiatives. Supported through mentoring and coaching, the girls will then implement the initiatives in their own community and conclude them with a presentation during a Football Festival and Community Showcase to celebrate their contributions and strengthen community ownership of the programs.

Building on the Family Awareness Sessions, parents and primary caregivers will participate in the Parents and Primary Caregivers as Allies Program. The program will include sessions on positive parenting and non-violent communication, gender equality and GBV prevention. These sessions aim to strengthen parents’ and primary caregivers’ knowledge, confidence, and capacity to actively support girls’ participation, wellbeing, and leadership.

An Intergenerational Dialogue Session will bring together participants and their parents or primary caregivers to discuss the planned Community Engagement Initiatives. Parents and primary caregivers will contribute feedback and ideas to strengthen the initiatives before their implementation, reinforcing their role as allies in promoting girls’ participation, equality, and the prevention of gender-based violence.

Many of the SCORING GIRLS* have experienced flight, displacement, or violence, including survivors of the 2014 genocide against the Yazidis committed by the so-called Islamic State (IS). The girls often grow up in precarious conditions and face discrimination, as well as limited access to education, healthcare, and social participation. Even girls born after 2014 are shaped by their families’ experiences and the lasting impact of the genocide.

SCORING GIRLS* Iraq provides them with secure and trusting environments, strengthens their resources, and creates opportunities for connection, community, and personal development.