An introductory overview of Baghdad Women Association
(In 2004, a coalition of eleven distinguished Iraqi women, hailing from diverse elite backgrounds encompassing varied ethnicities, religions, and professional expertise, convened in Baghdad with a shared vision. Their collective purpose was to establish Baghdad Women Association (BWA) — an Association dedicated to serving the needs of women and girls, providing essential support to address the profound challenges faced by Iraqi women.
The formation of BWA was a response to the extensive suffering experienced by Iraqi women, transcending all facets of their lives — be it within the family unit, community dynamics, or political spheres. This adversity manifested from early stages of development, impacting women from their embryonic roles through subsequent life stages. Beyond contending with economic hardship, deprivation, and substandard living conditions during the lean years of the economic blockade imposed on Iraq and the prolonged international wars, Iraqi women grappled with profound personal losses. Fathers, brothers, and sons were lost during the protracted conflicts, further compounded by shifts in ruling systems and subsequent bitterness arising from arbitrary practices against Iraqi women as citizens and individuals. The ramifications were deeply felt on psychological, emotional, physical, and economic fronts.
In response to these pressing challenges, BWA was founded as a beacon of support and empowerment, seeking to address the holistic well-being of Iraqi women and girls. The organization has since evolved with a steadfast commitment to combatting violence, advocating for women’s rights, and fostering positive change in the lives of those it serves.)