From Survivors to Leaders: Women Peace Teams in Nineveh, Iraq

As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we spotlight a critical locally-led initiative through the work of Women Peace Teams in Nineveh, who are NP’s community partners in interrupting cycles of violence. These teams have been pivotal not only in preventing violence against women and girls but also in enhancing women’s participation in peace and security processes, fostering social cohesion, and building resilience in communities that have long been marginalized.

Qayyarah: Tackling Digital Extortion and Promoting Safety

In Qayyarah, women came together to demonstrate effective leadership and bring local solutions to protection concerns, particularly concerning women and girls. Several Women Peace Teams (WPTs) have led initiatives to address emerging forms of violence, including digital violence.

A rise in digital extortion targeting female high school students prompted immediate intervention from WPTs. They created awareness-raising brochures on online safety and organized Community Security Forums to facilitate women’s engagement with local authorities, demanding active steps be taken to deter perpetrators. Recognizing the local challenges in handling these cases, the WPTs advocated for sensitive cases to be managed confidentially. Their advocacy was successful, and this approach was adopted by state security actors, resulting in greater survivor protection.

As a result, there was a noticeable increase in the reporting of violence and digital extortion cases, signaling greater community trust in authorities. One officer noted, “After spreading the culture of reporting, reports of violence and electronic blackmail increased,” reflecting a shift toward greater accountability and safety.

By fostering a culture of speaking up, WPTs empowered women to advocate for their rights and contributed to creating a safer environment. The work in Qayyarah not only tackled immediate concerns but also built a foundation for sustained change.

Zummar: Empowering Women in Tybet El Reyah

Building on the successes in Qayyarah, WPTs in Tel Afar, Zummar have expanded their work to address broader social issues and strengthen community resilience. For instance, WPT members facilitated a meeting with the head of the Zummar Municipality, where women from Tybet El Reyah village raised concerns about child marriage and sanitation challenges.

For the first time, women engaged directly with local government officials, prompting action such as the provision of waste bins to address sanitation needs. This marked a turning point, inspiring women to continue advocating for their communities.

This success has inspired other women in the area to join WPTs and advocate for their rights. As a result, women in Tel Afar are not only gaining confidence but are becoming leaders in their own community. The shift from being marginalized to becoming active agents of change illustrates the power of inclusive and locally-led protection initiatives.

Ba’aj: Women Challenging Traditional Norms to Transform Educational Access

The WPTs in Ba'aj have made significant strides in breaking cultural barriers and transforming the role of women in the community. One of their most impactful initiatives has been the establishment of a Mothers' Committee at the local girls' primary school. This step marked a dramatic shift, as cultural norms in Ba’aj had long prevented women from engaging with educational institutions or directly participating in their children’s education.

Through their advocacy, WPTs facilitated a meeting between mothers, the school principal, and teachers, creating a safe space for dialogue. This collaboration led to the formation of the Mothers' Committee as part of the Parents-Teachers Association. Now, a group of 10 mothers meets regularly with school staff to address challenges and monitor the progress of their children’s education.

In a community where challenges facing women can go down to something like moving between one neighbourhood and the other, such a step is considered a great success for these women, where they manifested their leadership capacities, combatting exclusion.

This initiative represents more than logistical success; it’s a cultural breakthrough. In a community where even moving between neighborhoods can be a challenge for women, these mothers have demonstrated remarkable leadership. By stepping into public roles, they have not only improved educational access but have also shifted perceptions of women’s potential to drive positive change—even in areas traditionally dominated by patriarchal norms. Their success is a powerful example of how WPTs are leading their communities toward greater inclusivity and social cohesion.

Hardan, Sinjar: Advocating for Essential Services and Breaking Cultural Barriers

In Hardan, a remote Yazidi village in Sinjar, the WPTs face a different set of challenges—advocating for essential services like water, electricity, and road repairs. Cultural norms that restrict women from public spaces made this work especially difficult, but the WPTs showed incredible determination.

Undeterred, the women traveled to Dohuk to meet with the Mayor of Sinjar and present their community’s needs. Their persistence paid off: the Water Department identified a dried-up well and worked with an organization to restore water access, while the Department of Rural Development committed to paving the village’s roads.

This success has had a ripple effect, inspiring other women in the community to raise their voices. This advocacy represents a profound transformation for many Yazidi women, who are part of a community that survived generational cycles of violent conflict and still manifests resilience and a strong will to lead positive change. As one WPT member reflected,

“We were survivors, and now we are leaders. We used to complain; now we demand, and we achieve.”

The WPTs in Hardan have shown that even in the face of deep cultural barriers, women can be catalysts for change, improving living conditions while building a foundation for lasting resilience.

Broader Impact: From Protection to Leadership

From addressing digital safety in Qayyarah to social issues and community resilience in Zummar, from breaking educational barriers in Ba’aj to securing essential services in Hardan, the Women Peace Teams across Nineveh are redefining women’s roles in decision-making processes.

The impact of WPTs in Nineveh goes far beyond addressing immediate issues like cases of violence against women and girls or community safety. These women have become key actors in shaping the future of their communities.

Across Nineveh, the WPTs are ensuring that women’s voices are heard, respected, and acted upon. Their work is a testament to the power of grassroots leadership in promoting peace, stability, and social cohesion. As these women continue to advocate for their communities, they are not just solving problems—they are transforming their communities from the ground up.