CARE International in Iraq (CARE Iraq) with the support of The Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operation (DG ECHO) is providing life-saving support in Protection and WASH to highly vulnerable persons in acute displacement in Duhok Governorate, Iraq. CARE Iraq is directly implementing WASH activities, while Protection activities are implemented through CARE’s local partner, The Lotus Flower (TLF). 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 and the decline of humanitarian aid are 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. Dohuk Governorates hosts 155,300 IDPs, including 105,500 living in camps and 45,700 in approx. 401 informal sites.
Key findings
 Around 40% of women in the targeted communities don’t feel that their hygiene needs are being met.
 Around 70% of women in the targeted communities don’t get consulted about their needs by aid organizations
 Women and girls face limited mobility which mainly due to cost of transportation, security, and cultural acceptance
 Water resources are controlled and allocated to families by the Mukhtars.
 Household decision making pertaining to finance are mainly controlled by men, whereas domestic decisions are jointly made.