LocationsWajida Khalaf Jassim: Inspiring a Generation of Female Leaders in Fallujah
November 24, 2024
At 54, Wajida Khalaf Jassim never imagined herself as a cornerstone of transformation in her community. As a teacher at Al-Bushra Secondary School for Girls in Saqlawiya, she now shapes the lives of young women and cultivating a new generation of leaders who are Iraq’s future.
A Witness to Change
Born and raised in Anbar Province, Wajida grew up witnessing the challenges that shaped her community. From conflict to rebuilding, she remained steadfast in her belief that education is the foundation of progress. Yet, she knew that for real change to take root, her role as a teacher had to evolve into something more profound.
Her journey took a pivotal turn when she joined a leadership training program conducted by UNDP Iraq, targeting women in liberated governorates. This initiative, designed to support empowering women as agents for community resilience in Wajida. It wasn’t just about personal growth it was about reimagining her classroom as a space to foster courage, leadership, and ambition among her students.
A Classroom Transformed
Returning to her school, Wajida carried with her a renewed sense of purpose. She began weaving lessons of leadership, resilience, and integrity into her curriculum, encouraging her students to think beyond societal limitations. Her words resonated deeply:
"Becoming a teacher, a woman capable of leading and facing life's challenges, is the best lesson we can give our students to guide them toward a better future."
She encouraged the girls to see themselves not just as students but as the architects of Iraq’s future. Her approach was new, blending academic learning with real-world skills—critical thinking, public speaking, and decision-making all essential traits for the leaders Iraq needs.
“We are a society that needs to strengthen and deepen the role of women. By building strong and resilient leaders, we can develop real solutions to the challenges facing women today,” she explained.
This vision began to resonate throughout the community. Parents saw their daughters growing in confidence, peers began supporting one another, and even local leaders started recognizing the transformative power of empowering young women.
A Brighter Tomorrow
Wajida’s work is part of a larger, hopeful shift in Iraq. Youth across the country are embracing the idea of women’s leadership, recognizing the pivotal role they play in shaping Iraq’s workforce and public life. The narrative is changing, women are no longer seen as passive participants but as active contributors to Iraq’s development.
Her story serves as a powerful testament to how a single person, equipped with education and passion, can spark lasting change. Through her dedication, Wajida is helping to build a foundation for a more inclusive, prosperous Iraq one where women not only share in its success but lead the way toward it.
The leadership training initiative by UNDP Building Resilience Through Employment Promotion programme, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, provided through the German Development Bank KfW, continues to uplift women like Wajida. These programs are critical in nurturing resilience and fostering sustainable development in Iraq’s regions liberated from ISIL. Wajida’s journey is proof that education, when coupled with empowerment, creates a ripple effect that can transform not only individual lives but entire communities.