Empowering Youth for Democracy and Human Rights in Iraq
DOZ e.V., with funding from Nord-Süd-Brücken and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is proud to launch the Nashitoon project in Baghdad, Iraq. In close partnership with our local ally, Shakoufyan Organization for Development and Culture (SODAC), this initiative aims to strengthen civic engagement, democratic values, and human rights awareness among young Iraqis.
Why Baghdad?
Baghdad’s youth face significant barriers to participating in political and social life. Despite making up a large portion of the population, many young people feel excluded from decision-making processes and lack opportunities to express their views or contribute to their communities. The Nashitoon project addresses these challenges by creating safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue, learning, and action.
What We Do
The project follows a multi-phase approach:
• Kick-off & Networking Event
A public launch event brings together 30–50 participants, including youth, civil society actors, and local decision-makers, to introduce the project and foster collaboration.
• Workshops for Youth (18–35 years)
Sixty young men and women from four districts of Baghdad (Al-Karrada, Al-Yarmouk, Al-Aasamijah, Al-Doura) participate in three intensive workshops. These sessions build knowledge and skills in civic participation, human rights, and democracy, and encourage the development of grassroots initiatives.
• Community-Led Initiatives
Participants form four groups to design and implement local initiatives in their neighborhoods. These projects range from cultural and educational activities to awareness campaigns, all aimed at promoting democratic values and social cohesion.
• Final Reflection & Sustainability Planning
A closing event gathers 60 participants to reflect on lessons learned, share outcomes, and plan future actions. The goal is to integrate active youth into existing networks or support the creation of new ones.
• Monitoring Visit to Baghdad
A DOZ representative will travel to Baghdad to evaluate the project, meet with stakeholders, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Impact Goals
Empower 60 youth with civic knowledge and leadership skills.
• Reach 750–1,500 community members through local initiatives.
• Foster sustainable youth networks and long-term civic engagement.
• Promote inclusive dialogue between citizens and local authorities.
Our Local Partner: SODAC
Founded in 2018, SODAC is a trusted Iraqi NGO with extensive experience in peacebuilding, education, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Their work has been supported by international donors such as GIZ, IOM, and CCFD. SODAC’s deep community ties and proven track record make them an ideal partner for this initiative.
Sustainability & Future Outlook
The Nashitoon project is designed for long-term impact. Through capacity building, community ownership, and strategic networking, we aim to ensure that the momentum generated continues beyond the project’s duration. DOZ e.V. and SODAC will support youth-led groups in sustaining their initiatives and expanding their reach.
Project Activities
Openning Event
The project held an opening event on September 13, 2025 in Baghdad to introduce the initiative’s goals and bring together key stakeholders. Around 30 participants – at least half of them youth – took part in this kick-off gathering. The event featured opening remarks from the organizers, a presentation outlining the project’s objectives and planned activities, and an interactive panel discussion on “the multiple roles of young activists in the civic space.” This discussion allowed participants to explore the vital contributions of youth to human rights and democracy efforts in their communities. Attendees engaged in an open forum to share ideas, ask questions, and lay out recommendations for next steps, setting an enthusiastic tone for the project’s launch.
Empowering Youth in Baghdad: Highlights from Our Capacity-Building Workshops
Over the past two weeks, our project in Baghdad has taken a powerful step forward in empowering young changemakers. Through two intensive capacity-building workshops held from October 24–26 and October 31–November 2, we engaged 37 youth from the districts of Al-Yarmouk, Al-Adhamiyah, Karrada, and Dora.
Each workshop spanned three full days, blending interactive presentations, group exercises, and open dialogue. The sessions focused on:
- Dialogue & Human Rights: Exploring the fundamentals of effective communication and connecting human rights principles to local realities.
- Democracy & Civic Participation: Understanding democratic values and learning how to analyze community needs.
- Youth-Led Initiatives: Developing project ideas using SMART planning, theory of change, and budgeting tools.
Participants not only gained theoretical knowledge but also began shaping real community initiatives. Many expressed increased confidence in their leadership skills and a strong desire to contribute to positive change in their neighborhoods.
Reflections & Next Steps
While we’ve made great progress, we’re still working toward our goal of training 60 youth. To close this gap, we’re intensifying outreach for the upcoming third workshop. What’s next?
- Final Workshop: Welcoming 23 more youth to complete the training cycle.
- Initiative Teams: Forming four district-based youth groups to design and implement community projects.
- Implementation Phase: Supporting these teams with coaching and resources to bring their ideas to life.
- Closing Event: Celebrating achievements and fostering connections with civil society and local leaders.
This journey is about more than numbers—it’s about nurturing a generation of young leaders committed to human rights, democracy, and peaceful coexistence. Stay tuned as we move from training to action, and watch these inspiring youth transform their communities.
