As part of the project “Democracy and Transparency – Empowering Civic Participation and Media Freedom”, funded by the European Union and in partnership with the Norwegian People’s Aid, the Ein Network for Election Monitoring and Democracy organized a specialized training on September 22–23 in Dhi Qar Governorate, in cooperation with the Women’s Empowerment Department in the governorate and the Subcommittee for Supporting Women’s Political Participation.

The training focused on enhancing women’s political participation and included several sessions that discussed electoral systems and their mechanisms, methods of vote counting, and ensuring fair representation. It also highlighted the importance of women’s participation in elections, whether as candidates seeking decision-making positions or as voters contributing to the democratic process. Furthermore, the training addressed women’s role in supporting the electoral process through awareness-raising, participation in monitoring, and promoting transparency, in addition to protecting women’s rights through elections, ensuring equality, and reducing marginalization.

Mr. Haider Saadi, Advisor to the Governor, affirmed in his speech that “the local government in Dhi Qar attaches great importance to women’s empowerment programs and to strengthening their presence in political life,” noting that enhancing women’s political participation is a key step toward achieving social justice and consolidating the principles of democracy. This training is part of a series of activities to be implemented by the Election Monitoring Alliance with the aim of strengthening women’s participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections and safeguarding the electoral process from hate speech and incitement.

At the conclusion of the event, Saadi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the organizing entities for their efforts in making the training a success, commending their active role in supporting women’s participation and enhancing their presence in political life.