Over the past four decades, generations of Iraqi women have endured difficult and exhausting periods, marked by continuous transitions through war, crisis, and post-war recovery. Most of their lives have been spent either in the midst of conflict, under the threat of it, or grappling with its devastating consequences. Women's memories carry the pain of losing husbands, brothers, and sons, alongside fleeting moments of joy. The trauma of what occurred in Sinjar still lingers vividly in the collective memory.

As of 2024, nearly 11 percent of Iraqi households are headed by women, many of whom struggle with the daily challenges of life. Despite this, women have made significant progress in political participation. Women now hold 29 percent of parliamentary seats, and approximately 12,000 women serve in the security sector. Iraq is also among the few countries that developed a NAP III for UNSCR 1325. However, the rate of women's involvement in peacebuilding remains limited.

I often ask myself, why is this the case? Are Iraqi women unable or unqualified to play an active role? Or is the system itself designed to exclude them? Could it be a lack of interest, or something deeper? Each of these questions leads to a series of sub-questions I continue to explore.

The pursuit of lasting peace in Iraq is inextricably linked to the empowerment of women and their full participation in peacebuilding, not simply because women oppose war, but because the past 40 years have equipped them with deep resilience and a unique understanding of peace. Since 2014, Iraqi women have demonstrated a renewed belief in their capacity to lead, protect their families, and contribute meaningfully to society.

The UNDP Iraq Country Office has made considerable progress in promoting women’s roles in building sustainable peace and security. Guided by principles of inclusivity and equality, UNDP’s multi-pronged approach emphasizes the critical roles women play as community peace mediators, young peacebuilders, and advocates for justice. From developing inclusive security institutions to advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, UNDP continues to reframe the narrative around women’s contributions to peace and stability.

Moving forward requires sustained collaboration with government agencies, international partners, and civil society. These combined efforts will ensure that women’s voices are not only heard but also central to decision-making processes that shape Iraq’s future. UNDP reaffirms its belief that sustainable peace can only be achieved when women are empowered to lead, mediate, and build a resilient and just society.