As part of our role as implementing partner with UNFPA in a project to improve gender equity, CGDS held a focus group discussion on December 17, 2020. The workshop focused on the plan to combat violence against women for 2017-2027. The group consisted of 16 guests, representing several sectors of the community. The group discussed, among other issues, the progress made to date on the strategy to combat gender based violence, various gaps in the strategy, and what is needed for the way forward. Ms. Kazho Latif, CGDS Academic Advisor, served as moderator. Project Manager Dr. Hawar Jalal, Deputy Director Dr. Lynn Rose, and Jan Warner Visiting Scholar Mr. Shakir also attended. CGDS staff Mr. Ali Azeez, Mr. Hamno Nawzad, Ms. Sewe Anwar, Ms. Shanya Mohammed, Ms. Savan Abdalrahman, and Ms. Tara Burhan facilitated the event’s planning and implementation.
Photo description: Fifteen people, most of them smiling, stand in a row against a background of blue with a logo and white writing. Prominently displayed on the sign, in white all-caps, is American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. There are brown, empty bookcases on each side of the sign. The group is composed of 13 women, with two men standing on the right. Almost everyone wears coats or jackets, and several wear scarves in addition. Four of the women wear head coverings.