Introduction:

Amidst the challenges facing Iraqi communities due to conflict and extremism, the Iraqi Al-Tadhamun League for Youth presented a pioneering model for empowering youth and women through the "Community Initiatives by Youth and Women's Groups" project, implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project aimed to promote peace and social cohesion in five Iraqi governorates: Anbar, Diyala, Salah al-Din, Kirkuk, and Ninewa, with Al-Tadhamun serving as the implementing partner for the entire project.

Al-Tadhamun's Role in Designing and Implementing Initiatives:

With its extensive experience in youth and community work, the Iraqi Al-Tadhamun League for Youth-led this project from its initial stages, designing comprehensive training methodologies for youth and women's groups. The training focused on developing effective communication and dialogue management skills, building participants' capacity to mitigate conflicts, and promoting social cohesion.

Al-Tadhamun also organized consultative meetings with experts in peace and development issues, allowing groups to benefit from specialized knowledge and support the formulation of innovative action plans.

Community Initiatives: Tools for Positive Change:

The Iraqi Al-Tadhamun League for Youth oversaw the implementation of 20 community initiatives in the targeted governorates. These initiatives included impactful programs such as "Dialogue and Peace Day," which sought to build bridges of understanding between different components of society, and "Initiative for Her, We Make Peace," which highlighted the role of women in achieving societal stability.

Al-Tadhamun provided the necessary funding for each initiative, enabling youth and women's groups to translate their ideas into tangible realities. The initiatives also focused on spreading a culture of peace and coexistence through innovative means, including using social media to convey messages of peace and promote cultural identity.

Ensuring Sustainability:

Al-Tadhamun played a key role in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of community initiatives. Through field visits and periodic reports, the impact of the initiatives on beneficiaries and the local community was measured. For example, dialogue and cohesion initiatives helped strengthen ties between different segments of society. They raised awareness among youth about the dangers of extremism and the importance of engaging in community work.

Partners and Beneficiaries:

In addition to working with youth and women's groups, Al-Tadhamun collaborated with government institutions, local organizations, and community leaders. The project included ten youth and women's groups, with an average of two groups per governorate, directly and indirectly benefiting local communities in the targeted governorates.

Al-Tadhamun's Future Vision:

The project concluded in August 2023, but its positive impact remains in the targeted communities. The Iraqi Al-Tadhamun League for Youth believes empowering youth and women is key to achieving sustainable peace in Iraq. Therefore, the League continues to seek to expand the scope of such projects and work to strengthen local and international partnerships to achieve long-term development goals. Through the "Community Initiatives" project, the Iraqi Al-Tadhamun League for Youth has demonstrated its ability to turn challenges into opportunities and its vital role in building more stable and cohesive communities. Continuing this type of project will enhance the chances of achieving a better and brighter future for all Iraqis.