Dr. Choman Hardi, Director of the Center for Gender and Development Studies (CGDS), has contributed to a Chatham House essay collection marking the 20th anniversary of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. In her paper, Dr. Hardi's personal journey, from fleeing the Anfal genocide to returning to Iraq in 2014, is blended with her commitment to women's rights and the founding of the CGDS. Despite legal reforms and efforts to promote women's rights, Dr. Hardi highlights the ongoing struggle against patriarchal norms and the backlash faced by women's rights advocates, including herself. Dr. Hardi's optimism and determination shine through as she remains dedicated to advancing gender equality in the face of adversity, with the hope that Kurdistan can one day become a model of democracy and tolerance in the Middle East. Read the article HERE.