Erbil, Iraq - 12 December 2023 – UNFPA and Rudaw Media Network have officially partnered to initiate a 12-month training programme to enrich women's experience in media and journalism across Iraq.

Garik Hayrapetyan, Deputy Representative of UNFPA and Ako Mohammed, CEO of Rudaw Media Network, signed the agreement in Erbil, marking a significant collaboration between a media organisation and a UN agency in Iraq.

The “Basics of Journalism” project seeks to empower and educate women interested in journalism, addressing a fundamental challenge in contemporary journalism—the ability to investigate, gather, and disseminate accurate and reliable information, particularly on women-related subjects. Focusing on nurturing journalism skills, fostering ethical reporting, and embracing the digital age, the project bridges the knowledge gap, equipping participants with the tools they need to become professional journalists.

In addition to professional skills training, the project is more than a training program—it is a call to action. Participants will be exposed to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) mandate, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on climate change. Armed with this knowledge, the graduates will emerge as advocates for the SDGs, ICPD agenda champions, and women's rights defenders.

Moreover, this groundbreaking partnership marks a pivotal collaboration, bringing together the United Nations, the private sector, and CSO in a unified effort. The collective goal is to amplify women's voices and actively address crucial issues pertaining to women in the media. This alliance stands as a testament to the power of diverse sectors working in harmony for positive social change.

Notably, the Iraqi Private Banks League will provide financial support for the program's first phase, emphasising a collective commitment to increasing women's representation in journalism in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

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UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, delivers a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Sana Jalal, Communications and Partnerships Officer, karwan@unfpa.org