As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, women all around the world are facing increasing sexual and gender-based violence, mounting domestic work, diminishing economic livelihoods and autonomy, and decreasing life quality. In Iraq, an already weak health infrastructure is compounded by high levels of poverty and a volatile political context, making women even more susceptible to the risks of the pandemic.

The organisation OXFAM International, that already develop a long-term program to promote gender justice and equality in cooperation with Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) in the region, launched an emergency response to COVID-19. The initiative raises public awareness about the impacts of the pandemic, distributes hygiene kits and food baskets and provides cash assistance to the most vulnerable people as part of the longer-term recovery. It is essential that women play a full and active role in the response plan, ensuring full rights and protections for women even more during these sensitive times.

Learn more about the initiative at https://www.oxfam.org/en/blogs/tackling-gender-justice-and-inequality-during-time-covid-19-and-beyond