LocationsStrengthening family bonds: couples in Anbar share their journey through UNDP’s family values curriculum training
September 17, 2024
In Iraq, many people face the risk of gender-based violence, with over 29.5% [1] of domestic violence victims being women and girls. Often, these cases go unreported due to the shame, fear, and stigma surrounding them. Gender-based violence in any form hinders equality, sustainable development, and lasting peace, creating significant barriers to progress, especially in countries like Iraq.
At UNDP, we work closely with couples to reduce intimate partner violence and address its root causes. During the 16 Days of Activism, we focused on couples from Anbar, particularly in Saqlawiya, who have benefited from our training programs designed to overcome violence and establish the foundations for modern, violence-free parenting. The aim is to raise a well-developed, peaceful generation.
[1] Iraq Women Integrated Social and Health survey (I-WISH) 2021 and Iraq Labor force survey 2021.
Shatha, the Women’s Section Officer at the Stabilization Program in Iraq, shared her insights on the training experience: “When we started these training courses three years ago, we weren’t sure they would succeed, especially in a society like Iraq’s. But we saw a strong and positive impact just a few days after the course began. This encouraged us to expand and develop the curriculum to include all segments of society. The simplified explanations and the way the materials were presented helped husbands and wives understand and accept these ideas.”
After seeing the success of these courses, it became clear that expanding them to other regions would help address negative aspects of Iraqi society and promote positive change.
Laith Al-Khatib, a family relations specialist at UNDP, emphasized the importance of the training: “Our courses aim to equip trainees with the knowledge needed to better manage their family lives without violence or tension. Over 80% of participants were able to control domestic violence and create a healthier environment for raising children after the training. This education is crucial, especially with the high rates of violence in Iraq.”
The success of these courses highlighted the need to expand them to other areas, addressing the negative aspects of Iraqi society and promoting positive change. For example, the training has had a transformative effect on couples like Alaa Kadhim and his wife Baraa Hadi. They learned how to manage tension in their discussions by taking a step back when things get heated, returning to the conversation once they had calmed down. This change has had a positive impact on their family, especially their son, who is happier and more at peace.
Another couple, Amer Mohammed and his wife Jihan, shared how the training helped them manage stress in their household. Jihan used to get angry over minor issues, especially with their three children. Now, she can control her temper better, creating a more peaceful environment at home. Amer added, “Our life was challenging, especially with my job as a worker. But now, I come home to a calm and peaceful environment, thanks to the changes my wife has made. I’m grateful for the training that has saved our family.”
Haider and Nada, another couple, explained how the training helped them understand the different forms of violence and their lasting impact. Nada learned how to deal with her teenage daughter better, improving their relationship and, in turn, the overall family dynamic. The positive change in their family has led to a calmer, less stressful home environment.
According to Haidar and Nada, identifying violence between partners and taking the necessary steps to prevent it is essential. They believe that such training sessions will help reduce family violence, significantly benefiting their children.
This project is implemented through the UNDP Building Resilience Through Employment Promotion programme, with generous support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, provided through the German Development Bank, these couples have been able to transform their lives, leading their families toward a calmer, healthier future. The result is children who grow up in a supportive environment, ready to contribute positively to society and turn dreams into reality, through these courses, UNDP is helping families in Iraq break the cycle of violence, promoting healthier and more peaceful communities.
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