Yezidi Children's Safe Space

FYF CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY WITH ITS FEMALE LEADERS AND BENEFICIARIES

On this year's International Women’s Day, FYF recognizes that the fight for gender equality must be intersectional and inclusive, amplifying the voices and addressing the needs of women who are most oppressed. Gender equality cannot be achieved unless it intersects with other forms of oppression, such as racism, classism, ableism, and discrimination based on religion, nationality, or ethnicity.

At FYF, we’re dedicated to holistically empowering displaced and vulnerable religious and ethnic minority women by:

• Providing protection and mental health and psychosocial support.
• Creating livelihood opportunities for economic empowerment.
• Ensuring access to education for a brighter future.
• Fighting for justice and accountability for survivors.

Women are strong, smart, and resilient leaders, peace builders, and advocates. Let’s empower them to step into their power while fighting for a more just and equitable future for all.

FYF WINS PRESTIGIOUS OCKENDEN INTERNATIONAL PRIZE

We are thrilled to share that the Free Yezidi Foundation’s Enterprise and Training Center (ETC) initiative has been chosen as one of the prestigious 2024 Ockenden International Prize winners! 

The ETC’s selection reflects its empowering ethos. Led by displaced women, the ETC is dedicated to uplifting vulnerable women and youth, with a proven track record of success in its livelihood and education programs.

The esteemed eight-member judging panel praised the ETC, stating, "Its objectives are clear: it is participatory in nature – as evidenced by both users and staff – and it combines holistic support and an activities approach with imperative advocacy work. It is also operating in a very difficult context.”

This recognition is not just an honor; it’s a testament to the transformative work FYF is doing. The ETC isn’t just a project; it’s a model of empowerment, unique in Iraq. FYF is dedicated to expanding its reach, replicating its success, and continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable women and youth across regions. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future!

FYF PARTNERS WITH WALTER LEITNER INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS CLINIC AT FORDHAM UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW

FYF is thrilled to unveil our new partnership with the Walter Leitner International Human Rights Clinic at Fordham University School of Law. Together, we’re embarking on an important journey to advocate for non-carceral justice for Yezidi women and girls impacted by conflict-related sexual violence.

In the months ahead, the clinic will collaborate closely with FYF’s programs team to develop a comprehensive manual that will be shared with the Iraqi government, offering tailored socio-economic remedies to address the specific needs of survivors.

At the core of our collective effort lies a commitment to prioritizing the well-being and successful reintegration of affected individuals into their communities.

FYF'S NEW PROTECTION TEAM UNDERGOES EXTENSIVE CAPACITY BUILDING AND TECHNICAL TRAININGS

Introducing FYF’s dynamic new women-led protection team! With 3 Protection Officers, 1 Lawyer, 3 Psychologists, and 8 Harikara (community outreach paraprofessionals), all guided by a dedicated Protection Manager and International Psychologist, we’re set to make a real impact among the communities we serve.

Over the past several months, our team has undergone rigorous capacity building and technical training, ensuring they’re fully prepared to engage with survivors and beneficiary communities in a survivor-centric and do-no-harm manner. Earlier this month, the team completed an intensive in-person training on child protection by Les Enfants de Panzi et d’Ailleurs.

Now, our team is even better equipped to provide a range of services, including individual therapy, group therapy, case management, MHPSS awareness sessions, psychoeducation sessions, recreational PSS, legal rights awareness sessions, legal aid, and outreach on vital topics like the Yezidi Survivors Law, men’s engagement, and the prevention of SGBV and child, early, and forced marriage and unions.

MEET FYF'S FEMALE LEADERS

Continuing with FYF's social media series, "Meet our Female Leaders," in March we met members of our education and protection teams. 

"Working alongside these passionate individuals is an honor, and I eagerly anticipate playing my part in advancing our collective goal of empowering women and children in vulnerable situations." - Khalidah Shamo, Psychologist, read more.

"With FYF’s backing, I found the strength to support my Yezidi community in times of great difficulty. FYF’s support has boosted my self-esteem, enhanced my confidence, and honed my abilities." - Zozan Haseeb, Education Manager, read more.

Meet more of our incredible female leaders here.

Thank you, as always, for your steadfast support of FYF and the Yezidi community.

Sincerely,

Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation

The Free Yezidi Foundation has been steadfast in its commitment to seeking survivor-centered justice and reparations for the Yezidi community. Through tireless advocacy efforts and strategic partnerships, FYF works to ensure the voices of Yezidi survivors are heard and that perpetrators are held to account for their heinous crimes. Simultaneously, FYF recognizes the importance of building bridges between Yezidis and other ethnic and religious groups in Iraq to foster a more inclusive and tolerant society. Through a variety of programmatic initiatives, FYF promotes understanding, empathy, and cooperation among diverse communities. By addressing both the immediate needs of survivors and the long-term goal of reconciliation, FYF plays a vital role in promoting healing and peace in Iraq.

The Iraqi education system has long relied on rote learning, a method centered on memorization for exam success. This approach stifles creativity and critical thinking skills in students, limiting their ability to think innovatively. 

In response, FYF's English Microscholarship Access Program is designed to revolutionize education by fostering critical thinking, social cohesion, tolerance, and mental well-being among a diverse student body, many of whom have faced conflict and displacement. Rather than simply imparting knowledge, the program prioritizes the holistic development of students, encouraging them to question, analyze, and engage with the world around them.

Through this approach, the program seeks to plant the seeds for a brighter future for Iraqi youth, where their well-being and capacity to navigate complex issues are valued as essential components of their education.

FYF FINALIZES AND SHARES CRITICAL CRIME SCENE REPORTS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT ENTITIES

The Free Yezidi Foundation's justice team is now sharing four comprehensive crime scene analytical reports, one detailed massacre report, and a series of perpetrator dossiers with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, UN investigative bodies, and Europol, in strict accordance with survivor consent protocols. FYF conducted thorough analyses and investigations across five villages in Sinjar - Tel Banat, Tel Qasab, Siba Sheikh Khidr, Gerzerik, and Tel Azir villages. Additionally, FYF meticulously examined the tragic Yezidi massacre in Qani village, compiling a comprehensive analytical report on this event and the broader assaults targeting Yezidi communities across various towns. The detailed reports and underlying evidence represent a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the Yezidi community.

Composed predominantly of Yezidi female investigators, our dedicated legal team collaborates closely with international experts to meticulously document witness testimonies and compile evidence, ensuring thoroughness and accuracy. The disclosures come after two years of hard work. Our collective aim is clear: to ensure that those responsible for the heinous crimes against the Yezidis are held accountable under the law.

ANNIVERSARY OF THE YEZIDI SURVIVORS LAW

March 1st marks the 3rd anniversary of the passage of the Iraqi Yezidi Survivors Law - a groundbreaking reparation program for Yezidi, Turkmen, Shabak, and Christian survivors of ISIS atrocities. The YSL is a significant step for justice. It acknowledges international crimes perpetrated by ISIS against the four ethnic and religious minority communities. It also combines broader reparation measures, including accountability and memorialization, with individual measures, including monthly payments and housing.

While commendable progress has been made, avenues for improvement persist. FYF extends an invitation to our partners to delve into our comprehensive report on the application process, which outlines the first year’s successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.

YEZIDIS CELEBRATE KHIDR ELIAS

Every year, on the first Thursday of the Lunar Calendar of February, Yezidis come together to honor the sacred Khidr Elias holiday through festivities that last for two days. As one of the oldest and holiest festivals, Khidr Elias holds a special place in the hearts of Yezidi people, brimming with cherished customs and traditions.

A highlight of this celebration is the sumptuous feast featuring "Qalatik" or "Qalanduk" (in Sinjar) – delightful fried grains. Households bustle with excitement as seven types of grains, including wheat, barley, peas, chickpeas, lentils, watermelon seeds, and sunflower seeds, sizzle to perfection.

Rooted in the reverence for nature and its profound influence on humanity, the Yezidi religion beautifully intertwines its holidays and rituals with the rhythms of the seasons, marking transitions and the passage of time.

Thank you, as always, for your steadfast support of FYF and the Yezidi community.

Sincerely,

Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation