Strengthening Women, Peace and Security in Iraq: Reflections from Our Inter-Ministerial Training
As Iraq advances its commitments under the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and the latest National Action Plans (INAP II and III), building strong, coordinated institutional capacities remains essential. In partnership with GIZ, elbarlament recently concluded a multi-day training that brought together representatives from five key ministries: Interior, Environment, Labor and Social Affairs, Defense, and Justice, as part of our Women Taking the Lead project.
The training provided space not only for learning and joint planning, but also for honest reflection on institutional needs and the importance of cross-ministerial cooperation. Below are key insights shared by participating officials — insights that point toward stronger, more sustainable implementation of Iraq’s WPS commitments.
Deepening institutional knowledge and formalizing cooperation
Maryem from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) described the training as both practical and transformative, noting that it helped deepen the Ministry’s understanding of the linkages between WPS and climate-security. She stressed the importance of continued learning on these interconnected topics and encouraged elbarlament to explore a formal partnership with the MoI. Such an agreement, she suggested, would allow graduates of elbarlament’s Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes to be officially recognized, enabling them to deliver accredited trainings within their institutions.
Maryem expressed her own motivation to become one of these certified trainers — a testament to the growing ownership and leadership emerging within the ministries.
Connecting climate resilience with women’s participation
Shahad from the Ministry of Environment (MoE) highlighted how closely the training aligned with the Ministry’s ongoing environmental programmes. She noted the strong complementarity between Iraq’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Local Adaptation Plans (LAPs), and the INAP III framework — many of which already integrate WPS principles in practice.
She proposed sharing MoE activities with elbarlament to develop cross-sectoral models demonstrating how climate action and environmental resilience can reinforce women’s participation, leadership, and protection. This reflects a growing recognition that environmental security is deeply connected to human security — and that women must be part of both.
Strengthening coordination across all ministries
Rana from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA) emphasized the need for specialized joint trainings that bring together all institutions responsible for implementing UNSCR 1325. She shared that MoLSA has already coordinated with GIZ through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to request targeted capacity-building programmes.
However, she also noted that MoLSA has so far been insufficiently involved in WPS initiatives led by the National Directorate for Women. MoFA and the Ministry of Planning are currently developing a form to assess each ministry’s needs — the results of which will be consolidated and shared with donors and implementing partners. Rana stressed that this process will help ensure more coordinated, evidence-based support in the future.
Practical tools for collaboration and accountability
Representing the Ministry of Defense (MoD), Ruqaya described elbarlament’s training — delivered with GIZ support — as the most practical and applicable among the various capacity-building initiatives her Ministry has received.
She valued the combination of strategic thinking and actionable tools, including roadmap development, action plan design, and ToT methodologies. Ruqaya underscored the importance of ongoing joint ministerial trainings to deepen cross-learning, strengthen networks, and clarify the complementary roles of each institution. Such spaces, she said, are essential for building shared accountability and lasting coordination mechanisms.
From uncertainty to strategic clarity
Sanaa from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) reflected that her ministry entered the training uncertain about how to advance its WPS commitments — but left with a renewed sense of direction and strategic clarity. She highlighted elbarlament’s technical guidance in helping the MoJ design organized action plans, identify partners, and understand how to access funding for WPS-related initiatives.
Sanaa emphasized the need for an advanced ToT programme for MoJ representatives to strengthen internal training capacity and enable the Ministry to lead joint trainings across its directorates. She also recommended further capacity-building for women in prison management — particularly those working in high-security facilities handling terrorism-related cases — as well as for social researchers and correctional staff.
A shared vision for the future
The reflections of the participants point to a common message:
Iraq’s WPS agenda can only succeed when institutions learn together, plan together, and implement together.
Elbarlament remains committed to supporting ministries as they build coordinated, evidence-based, and sustainable approaches to advancing women’s participation, protection, and leadership across Iraq.