Project Summary
Throughout the project, DOZ executed a series of impactful initiatives in the Kawergosk Refugee Camp, Erbil, Iraq. Diverse activities were implemented, including awareness sessions, training modules, and collaborative efforts with local civic organizations within the camp. The collective endeavors successfully reached 224 females in the camp, marking a significant milestone in community engagement.
The primary focus was to raise awareness about UN Resolution 1325, a crucial step towards fostering sustainable peace within the community. Participants also underwent training sessions to equip them with problem-solving skills, empowering them to address conflicts effectively, and received awareness sessions on gender-based violence.
The implementation of these activities went beyond traditional methods, incorporating dynamic, movement-based elements to enhance participant engagement. Sport games, competitions, and group discussions were integrated into the program, providing a holistic and interactive approach to learning and community building.
Furthermore, the project facilitated networking opportunities with various organizations within the camp, fostering collaboration and creating a more interconnected support system.
Activities Under This Project
1. Awareness Sessions on UN Resolution 1325 (Three Sessions)
In an effort to promote understanding and active participation in UN Resolution 1325, three awareness sessions were conducted by DOZ organization. The sessions, hosted 61 female participants spanning diverse ages and backgrounds, aimed to shed light on the significance of teh UN Resolution 1325 in the context of women and peace. The key objectives included:
- Understanding UN Resolution 1325:
- The facilitator provided an insightful overview of UN Resolution 1325, emphasizing its adoption within the United Nations framework.
- Emphasis was placed on recognizing the pivotal role of women in all facets of peace and security operations.
- Discussing Local Issues:
- Deliberations centered on issues related to achieving gender equality and women’s involvement in local peace decisions, with a specific focus on the challenges faced by women in refugee camps.
- Participants actively exchanged views on enhancing the role of women in such settings and brainstormed ways to fortify their participation.
- Dialogue and Interaction:
- Participants were encouraged to pose questions and share personal experiences, fostering a dynamic exchange of opinions.
- The interactive sessions delved into strategies for augmenting women’s involvement, including refugee women and girls in peace and security decisions. Participants shared their experiences, underlining the need for an increased and active role within their communities, both inside and outside the camp.
- Discussions extended to translating awareness into tangible actions, with an emphasis on organizing activities aligned with UN Resolution 1325 to reach a broader audience within the camp.
Participants were motivated to actively contribute to the goals of UN Resolution 1325 within the unique context of refugee camps and their broader local communities. The dialogues sparked a commitment to translating newfound awareness into practical initiatives, fostering a sense of empowerment among the participants.
2. Empowering Women through Conflict Resolution Training Sessions (Three Sessions)
As part of our commitment to fostering a culture of conflict resolution and societal harmony and social cohesion, DOZ conducted three impactful training sessions reached in total to (58 individuals). The primary objective was to equip participants with problem-solving skills, enabling them to effectively address conflicts in various aspects of their lives.
The training sessions were characterized by their diverse content and a well-structured program. Participants received a thorough introduction to the concept of conflict, emphasizing its pervasive nature in daily life. The sessions delved into the root causes of conflicts and provided strategies for dealing with them constructively, ultimately aiming for positive resolutions.
In addition, the sessions included sports activities and interactive games added a unique dimension to the training. These elements not only fostered team spirit but also facilitated effective communication between facilitators and participants. The incorporation of light-hearted moments filled with fun, warmth, and joy created a positive and enjoyable atmosphere, reinforcing the importance of resolving conflicts with a constructive mindset.
Participants actively exchanged experiences and opinions, fostering a dynamic learning environment. Real-life lessons were shared, illustrating how conflicts can be transformed into opportunities for cooperation and mutual understanding.
3. Effective Coordination and Collaborations by DOZ with other CSOs
Over the course of the project implementation, DOZ organization engaged in robust coordination and networking with both local and international organizations operating within the camp. These collaborative efforts were instrumental in not only achieving more effective results but also in magnifying the positive impact on the community.
3.1. International Day of the Girl: One noteworthy collaborative initiative involved the organization of a joint event in celebration of the International Day of the Girl on October 11. This event, held in conjunction with various local and international partners, successfully gathered a diverse audience of 42 individuals spanning different age groups. The event was designed to blend entertainment with awareness segments, shedding light on issues pertaining to girls and underscoring their pivotal role in society.
3.2. The 16 Days of Activism Campaign: DOZ, in seamless coordination with other local and international entities, actively participated in the 16 Days of Activism campaign against violence targeting women. The campaign encompassed a spectrum of activities, including engaging entertainment segments, educational sessions focusing on issues of violence, elucidation of the crucial role women play in society, and awareness segments specifically highlighting UN Resolution 1325. Notably, a sports component was also incorporated into the campaign.
The collaborative efforts within the 16 Days of Activism campaign saw participation from a broad spectrum, reaching approximately 63 individuals. This diverse participation underscores the effectiveness of the coordinated approach and the campaign’s ability to engage and educate a sizable portion of the community.
Achieved Goals
- Elevated Understanding of UN Resolution 1325: The DOZ project effectively reached its goal of educating and engaging 224 female participants in the Kawergosk Refugee Camp on the pivotal significance of UN Resolution 1325. The sessions not only highlighted the adoption of this resolution within the United Nations but also emphasized the critical role women play in all aspects of peace and security operations.
- Empowered Conflict Resolution Competence: Through three comprehensive conflict resolution training sessions, the project successfully equipped participants with a robust set of problem-solving skills. These skills, crucial for addressing conflicts in diverse life scenarios, were complemented by the incorporation of sports activities and interactive games. These elements not only fostered teamwork but also facilitated open communication between facilitators and participants, creating a positive and enjoyable learning environment.
- Successful Collaborations and Networking: DOZ’s collaboration with local NGOs and international organizations during events like the International Day of the Girl and the 16 Days of Activism campaign demonstrated effective coordination, reaching a diverse audience and fostering community engagement.
Recommendations and Feedback from Participants
- Continuous Awareness Sessions: Participants expressed a keen interest in the continuation of awareness programs, advocating for ongoing awareness sessions addressing relevant topics like gender equality and the role of women in peace decisions. The desire for a sustained learning environment indicates the impact of the initial sessions.
- Wider Integration of Conflict Resolution Training: Positive feedback from the conflict resolution training sessions prompted participants to recommend the integration of such programs into the regular activities within the camp. This expansion would serve to embed conflict resolution skills as an integral part of the community’s skill set.
- Diversification of Collaborative Events: Participants highlighted the need for diverse collaborative events, emphasizing different themes to comprehensively address community issues and meet the varying needs of the participants.
