Yezidi Women's Services

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We’re highlighting the resilience and leadership of Yezidi women and girls as they rebuild their communities after the genocide. We’re excited to share the journeys of Nada and Ahlam, two young women from Sinjar whose survival, determination, and creativity show the strength and hope within their community.

We’re also proud to announce the recruitment of 144 Changemakers across nine locations in Iraq. As part of the Iraqi Female Changemakers Project, these women have begun training to advocate for women’s rights, work toward the elimination of violence against women and girls, and promote equal access to education and jobs. These initiatives put women at the center of change, shaping stronger, more resilient communities.

WOMEN ON THE FRONT LINE: FYF CHANGEMAKERS BEGIN THEIR WORK

144 Changemakers across nine locations in Iraq have begun training and community outreach to tackle issues such as SGBV, child marriage, and equal access to education and jobs. Through awareness-raising and capacity-building, they are increasing rights awareness, improving reporting of violations, and strengthening community support for women’s civic and political participation.

This work is part of the Iraqi Female Changemakers Project, implemented in partnership with four female-led NGOs: Asuda for Combating Violence Against Women, Baghdad Women Association, Al-Taqwa Association for Woman and Child Rights, and WANi. Together, these organizations are equipping women from religious and ethnic minority communities to play an active role in civic and political advocacy and drive lasting change in their communities.

AHLAM'S STORY: FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH ART AND EDUCATION

“This program has helped me build new friendships and grow in confidence and leadership. My English has also improved a lot.” 

Ahlam Ayad is a 17-year-old student from Sinjar who is now living in displacement with her family in Sheikhan. After the genocide, her family lost their home, their safety, and the stability and quality of life they once had. Despite all challenges, Ahlam tries to stay hopeful. She has a passion for painting, which allows her to escape into another world full of colors and peace. Her dream is to become a successful painter and an independent woman who can inspire others. 

By bringing together Yezidi and Muslim youth, the English Access Program fosters not only language skills but also unity and social cohesion. During the last two years, Ahlam has improved her English, built self-confidence and made new friends from diverse backgrounds, forming bonds that might not have been possible otherwise. She believes every young person deserves quality educational opportunities, and she hopes that more programs and job opportunities will be created for young girls to help families rebuild their lives and achieve real independence.

NADA'S STORY: SURVIVIING GENOCIDE, STITCHING A FUTURE

Nada, a young Yezidi woman from Sinjar, found strength and purpose through the art of knitting after surviving the horrors of the Yezidi Genocide. Forced to flee to the mountains with nothing, Nada endured eight days without food or shelter alongside thousands of others. In the safety of Khanke IDP Camp, she rekindled her love for handicrafts and began creating beautifully detailed stuffed animals—jellyfish, turtles, owls, and more. Each piece she makes represents resilience, healing, and a path to economic independence.

Purchasing one of these handcrafted items directly supports Yezidi women like Nada as they rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Links:

• FYF Launches Iraqi Female Changemakers Project
• Nada's Story: Stitching a Future