On July 28, 2022, the Accepting Others Organization (AOO) hosted a pivotal conference titled “Empowering Women in the Political Process in the Kurdistan Region” at the prestigious Divan Hotel in Erbil. With nearly 130 attendees representing various sectors including the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), national and international NGOs, civil society, UN agencies, and more, the event garnered significant attention. Kurdish media outlets provided extensive coverage, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in the region regarding political participation and advocacy for their rights.

This conference marked the successful culmination of AOO’s contributions to the “Women’s Voices First – Women Leading the Way to Inclusive Peace in Iraq” program. In collaboration with the Cordaid Organization, the Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF – Iraq), and UKAID, AOO spearheaded impactful initiatives in Duhok Governorate, aligning with the principles outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325), including the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, and the second Iraqi National Action Plan (INAP) 2020-2024.