elbarlament.org

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, leadership, and resilience of women around the world. At the same time, it is a moment to reflect.

Across many regions — including the Middle East — conflict continues to shape the lives of millions of women and girls. Wars and instability deepen existing inequalities, and women often carry a disproportionate burden while already facing structural disadvantages.

For us at elbarlament, this reality is not abstract. Through our work in Iraq and Yemen, we see how the consequences of war affect societies for years to come — and how women play a crucial role in rebuilding communities and advocating for peace.

Yet women remain underrepresented in peace negotiations and political decision-making. Ensuring their meaningful participation is essential for building more inclusive and lasting peace.

At a time when the region is again facing immense challenges, we stand in solidarity with women affected by conflict everywhere. Their resilience and leadership continue to inspire hope for a more just and peaceful future.

Wishing a blessed Ramadan to all who are observing. May the month bring peace, clarity, and prosperity.

Ramadan Mubarak.

Online harassment is one of the fastest-growing forms of violence against women, and its impact is profound.

Women are 27 times more likely than men to face online abuse, a reality that silences voices, restricts participation, and undermines democracy.

During the hashtag , we stand with the women journalists, activists, and human-rights defenders who face threats simply for speaking up.

Protecting women’s safety online is essential to protecting their rights offline.

Digital violence is real violence.

During the 16 Days of Activism, we are spotlighting one of the fastest-growing threats to women activists and journalists: online harassment, blackmail, and coordinated disinformation. According to a recent global survey:

📌 73% of women journalists have experienced online violence.
📌 1 in 4 receive threats of physical harm.
📌 41% face coordinated disinformation campaigns designed to silence them.

These attacks don’t stay online — they limit women’s voices, shrink civic space, and weaken democracy itself.

At elbarlament, we stand with all women targeted for speaking up. No one should have to choose between safety and participation.

As online threats and violence become entrenched in Iraq, they are increasingly undermining political participation, democratic processes, and civic engagement.

Journalists, activists, and those demanding accountability are routinely met with online intimidation, harassment campaigns, and coordinated mis- and disinformation.

For women, these risks are amplified.

Gendered abuse, extortion, blackmail, and disinformation are used strategically to silence their voices and discourage them from public and political life. These patterns reflect long-standing patriarchal attitudes — now intensified and weaponized through digital platforms.

Our report explores the prevalence, forms, and consequences of gendered online violence in Iraq, drawing on survivor testimonies and case studies. It highlights the connection between online and offline harm and the profound impact this has on women’s safety, dignity, and political participation. You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/ejTyzYki

As part of the hashtag , we call attention to these findings to advocate for stronger protections, accountability mechanisms, and safer digital spaces for women across Iraq.

🌍 16 Days of Activism: Violence Against Women is Violence Against Democracy

Starting today, we join the global call for change by committing to 16 days of activism, using our voice to raise awareness and advocate for an end to violence against women.

Every day for the next 16 days, we’ll be sharing stories, facts, and resources, standing in solidarity with those who are pushing for a world where women can live free from fear, oppression, and violence.

In the MENA region, nearly 37% of women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (UN Women, 2023). This statistic is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted challenges we still face in ensuring safety, equality, and empowerment for women.

At elbarlament, we believe that violence against women is violence against democracy. When women are denied their rights, their voices, and their safety, the very fabric of democracy is undermined. True democracy cannot exist without the full and equal participation of women in all aspects of society—politically, socially, and economically.

We are committed to fighting for the rights of women in the MENA region and beyond, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and lead. Join us in raising awareness, amplifying the voices of survivors, and supporting efforts to end gender-based violence in all its forms.

(Arabic in the comments)

🌟 Call for Applications – Young Arab Women Peacebuilders 🌟

Are you a young woman from Iraq, Syria, Libya, or Yemen who wants to create change in your community?

Join the Peace Advocacy Training Hub (PATH) – a 5-month online programme in Arabic (Oct 2025 – Jan 2026) that will help you:
✅ Build leadership & advocacy skills
✅ Connect with inspiring women across the region
✅ Work with mentors on real initiatives for peace & reform
✅ Receive a Certificate of Participation from elbarlament

📅 Deadline to apply: 15.09.2025
👉 More information here: https://elbarlament.org/call-for-applications-young-arab-women-peacebuilders/ (application form: https://forms.gle/uepiM2Mik7vkBdPn7)

Tag a friend who should join! 💬

Call for Applications – Young Arab Women Peacebuilders - elbarlament.org - cultures of democracy (Arabic below) Are you a young woman from Iraq, Syria, Libya, or Yemen who is passionate about making change in your community? This is your chance to join the Peace Advocacy Training Hub (PATH), a unique programme designed to strengthen your leadership, confidence, and voice in shaping peace and po...

"Women are not just participants, we are decision-makers."
Powerful discussions happening now in Erbil on women’s roles in climate and peace mediation.

Stay tuned as we shape new strategies for inclusive governance. 🔥💡



🎤 اقتباس مباشر من النقاش
"نحن لا نشارك فقط، نحن نتخذ القرار."
نقاشات ملهمة الآن حول دور النساء في الوساطة في قضايا السلام والمناخ.
تابعونا لرؤية لحظات القوة والتضامن 💡🔥
#أربيل

📍 We’ve just kicked off the regional networking meeting in Erbil!

Women peacebuilders and environmental advocates from Iraq and the region are coming together to exchange, learn, and lead.

Excited for two days of connection, collaboration, and collective action. 💬🌿

Women Taking the Lead is a comprehensive 18-month project aimed at bolstering the political and social participation of women in Iraq. It is implemented as part of SPACE. SPACE is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

🌍 Earth Day 🌍

Women. Peace. Earth. Iraq.

On this Earth Day, we honor not just our planet—but the powerful role that Iraqi women play in protecting it.

Across Iraq, women are leading efforts to build peace in conflict-affected communities while confronting the impacts of climate change—rising temperatures, water scarcity, and environmental degradation. These challenges aren’t just environmental; they are deeply linked to stability, security, and justice.

As part of Iraq’s journey toward peace and sustainability, women must be at the center—as mediators, decision-makers, community leaders, and protectors of natural resources.

Our project Women Taking the Lead works to strengthen women's participation in climate and peace processes because there is no environmental justice without equality.

This Earth Day, let’s uplift the voices of Iraqi women defending peace and protecting the Earth—because a peaceful future is a sustainable one.