On the eve of International Women´s Day, the Ministry of Youth & Sports and UNICEF launch the National Girls´ Network

BAGHDAD, 6 March 2023. – The Ministry of Youth and Sports and UNICEF, in partnership with YPEER, a youth-led organization, launched today the National Girls´ Network, supported by Canada and other donors, aimed at promoting and spearheading the rights of girls across the country. The launch was attended by the UNICEF Regional Director, Ms. Adele Khodr, on official visit to Iraq, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Ahmed Al-Mubarqa, Ms. Sheema Sen Gupta, UNICEF Representative in Iraq, and a representation of Iraqi girls. 

The new network aims to empower girls with skills and knowledge to lead advocacy actions at national level, as well as participate and contributing to key issues affecting children and young people in Iraq.  

330 young people, mainly girls, will be trained to proactively influence decision-making processes impacting their lives. These actions will focus on policies and programs that advance gender equality and support girls' empowerment to play a key role in decision-making processes among other national stakeholders.  

“Girls make 50 percent of the talent in Iraq. Through the National Girls´ Network, thousands of young girls and boys will be reached with a message to promote child rights and gender equality with concrete actions. The message we are sending today to the girls of Iraq is loud and clear: we need you to be part of the decisions that impact your daily life,” said UNICEF Regional Director, Adele Khodr. 

“With UNICEF support, the Ministry of Youth and Sports continues to implement the National Youth Vision 2030. The National Girls´ Network will highlight the focus on girls and young women. By supporting their inclusion, we are building a more sustainable Iraq, in which girls contribute to a better and more inclusive future for every girl,” said, Mr. Ahmed Al-Mubarqa, Minister of Youth and Sports. 

Nearly 60% of Iraq's population is under 25 years old, with an average age of 21. Due to political instability, social unrest, and economic issues, young people suffer high unemployment (over one out of four in 2020, according to statistics) and limited access to civic, social, and economic involvement opportunities. This exclusion disproportionately affects mainly females. The National Girls Network will act as a catalyst for empowering and nurturing Iraqi girls, especially the most vulnerable, to tackle these issues up front. 

Through this network, UNICEF and the Ministry of Youth and Sports will address some of the key challenges faced by girls in Iraq, such as limited access to learning and skilling, early marriage, gender-based violence, the effect of climate change on girls, or girls’ inclusion in the labor market, among other issues. Ultimately, the goal is to create a safer and more supportive environment for girls, where they will thrive and reach their full potential.  

This National Network will be considered a key milestone toward girls' empowerment and participation in Iraq, aligned and contributing to the operationalization of the National Youth Vision 2030 by promoting child rights and gender equality with concrete actions. 

APPLY FOR THE NATIONAL GIRLS´ NETWORK HERE