“Voices of Change” – Dialogue Session in Baghdad on Protection from Violence Highlights the Story of a Young Survivor

As part of the Voices of Change project, funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and implemented by the Democratic House Organization (DHO), a dialogue session was held in Baghdad to provide a safe space for young women to share experiences and explore strategies to address gender-based violence.
The session focused on:

Increasing legal awareness of women’s rights and available protection mechanisms under Iraqi law.

Fostering community solidarity and building a supportive network among participants.

Encouraging safe disclosure of violence cases to ensure survivors can access legal and psychosocial assistance.

During the session, a deeply moving moment unfolded when a young participant revealed that she had suffered physical abuse. Her courage in sharing her story prompted strong empathy and solidarity. A participating lawyer provided immediate guidance on legal protection measures, and—with the participant’s consent—she was referred to a specialized social and psychological support organization, with full respect for her privacy and dignity.

Funding: Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) – Global Affairs Canada
Implementer: Democratic House Organization – Baghdad