Beyond Policy: New Nationwide Research Reveals What Really Drives Women, Peace and Security in Iraq

National action plans are essential—but they do not protect women on their own. Real change happens at the local level, through government departments, trained staff, and institutions that serve women and families every day.

In February 2026, Mercy Path for Women’s Affairs published new nationwide research examining how Iraq’s Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) commitments are implemented in practice. The study focuses on the institutions responsible for delivering these commitments on the ground: the Women, Family and Children Departments (WFCDs) across Federal Iraq and, in the Kurdistan Region, the High Council for Women and Development.

Iraq's women's affairs framework overview

Conducted as part of the SAWA (Strengthening Agencies for Women's Advancements) project, the research used a gender-sensitive mixed-methods approach, including a nationwide survey of 131 government staff, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. By focusing on subnational institutions, the study fills a critical gap in understanding how national policies translate into real services and protection for women and girls.

The findings reveal a clear and consistent reality. Across Iraq, local departments face three major challenges: insufficient and unpredictable funding, shortages of qualified staff and training opportunities, and socio-cultural barriers that limit women’s access to services and participation in public life. These constraints affect not only service delivery but also long-term planning, coordination, and monitoring.

Despite these challenges, the research also highlights important strengths. Many departments are already playing a vital role in supporting women, raising awareness, and coordinating with civil society organizations. Staff members are finding practical and creative ways to respond to community needs, even when resources are limited. These efforts demonstrate that local institutions have strong potential to advance women’s protection, participation, and empowerment—when given the necessary support.

The research also shows that institutional models differ across Iraq. In Federal Iraq, WFCDs operate as decentralized units within governorate structures, with broad mandates but varying levels of authority and resources. In the Kurdistan Region, the High Council for Women and Development provides stronger centralized coordination but faces limitations in direct implementation reach. Both models offer valuable lessons for strengthening institutional effectiveness.

The report concludes that advancing Iraq’s Women, Peace, and Security commitments will depend on investing in the institutions responsible for implementation. This includes ensuring predictable funding, strengthening staff capacity, clarifying institutional mandates, improving coordination mechanisms, and supporting partnerships with civil society and communities.

This research offers rare nationwide insight into the institutions working every day to protect and empower women in Iraq. It highlights both the challenges they face and the opportunities to strengthen their impact.

The full research report, including detailed findings and practical recommendations, is available below.