RAISING AWARENESS ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS: 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AT BACK TO LIFE AND SCORING GIRLS*

One in three women experience gender-based violence throughout their lifetime, according to the United Nations. To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25 and the global campaign 16 Days of Activism to spread awareness and advocate against gender-based violence (GBV), the HÁWAR.help team in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq held an event at one of our BACK TO LIFE Women’s Centers in Qadia IDP camp.

Women from the camp participating in the event spent the first part of the day engaging in group activities and awareness sessions focused on gender-based violence, mental health, and legal advice. Conducting these sessions is important for women and girls, as many may not be aware of their rights or have the knowledge to recognize abusive behavior. When women are informed about GBV, they are better equipped to identify early warning signs and take steps to protect themselves or seek assistance.

Accordingly, the sessions emphasized understanding what constitutes GBV, the various types of GBV illustrated through practical examples, and the appropriate channels for seeking help. Participants were also informed about community-based support networks and the services provided by HÁWAR.help to women affected by GBV.

Later, attendees wrote messages or wishes on sheets of paper—a collection of empowering and motivating quotes—and attached them to a large image of a tree. This activity was designed to foster a sense of strength, unity, and hope. The day concluded with a gathering to share cake, during which participants received a gift from HÁWAR.help.

During the second part of the day, we conducted an educational and craft-based session specifically for the SCORING GIRLS*. The girls were encouraged to reflect on equality and women’s rights while learning about GBV, mental health, and ways to support one another. One major highlight for the girls: a soccer match with SCORING GIRLS* founder Tuğba Tekkal who attended the sessions.

Educating women and girls about GBV and their rights is not only about protection. It is also about empowerment, prevention, and fostering a fairer, safer society for all. As an organization founded on the ashes of the Yazidi genocide, we will continue to advocate for the elimination of violence against all women and for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) to receive more support.

Thank you to the Federal Foreign Office Germany for supporting BACK TO LIFE and to SPACE and Ein Herz für Kinder (eHfK) for supporting the SCORING GIRLS*.

SCORING GIRLS* was implemented as part of SPACE. SPACE is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.