CARE International in Iraq (CARE Iraq) with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Czech Republic is providing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and protection mainstreaming services in three villages in Al Hamdaniya District in Ninewa governorate. CARE Iraq is directly implementing both services. CARE Iraq aims to understand different gender norms, roles, and dynamics, in addition to the specific needs of women, girls and vulnerable people in the project locations to ensure safe, equitable and dignified access to the services.

The conflict in Iraq and the protracted humanitarian crisis have had a severe impact on infrastructure and service delivery in general, which together with the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of the unemployment rate has led to an increase in existing Gender Based Violence (GBV) and protection risks. The continuance of political and economic instabilities is having a huge effect on the population as a whole; however, conflicts and emergencies impact women and girls differently, and understanding different roles, dynamics and needs will help improve the quality of and access to those services. In Ninewa Governorate, the water situation in Al Hamdaniya District, among others, is dire due to a combination of poor management and neglect of the water infrastructure in the district. The current drought phenomena have also caused widespread water scarcity in many parts of Iraq for drinking, agricultural needs, and multiple other purposes. There are several concerns around the hygiene and WASH needs of the targeted community members. In the targeted communities, access to water infrastructure, and access to water in general both for drinking and domestic use are challenges that the communities face in addition to the inadequate sanitation facilities.
Key Findings:
* Cost of transportation is one of the major factors that limit the mobility of community members especially women and girls.
• The majority of the community especially women don’t get consulted about their needs by aid organizations
• Around a third of the targeted community feel that their hygiene needs are not being met.
• There is a dramatic increase in the reports of GBV and the severity of the risks of GBV in Iraq.
• The majority of women do not participate in community decision making.
• Loss of livelihoods and income is prevalent in the targeted communities