Past Event

Religious Inequalities in Development

Inequality, injustice and violence: experiences of women from Iraq’s diverse ethnic and religious communities

7 December 2022 14:00–16:00

Join us ahead of Genocide Prevention Day to listen to women from Iraq’s diverse ethnic and religious communities who share their research and experiences of historical and contemporary injustices and how communities are mobilizing for recognition and redress. These communities still bear the scars of ISIS genocidal war which started nearly ten years ago, and yet the genocide is still not recognised as such by many countries, including the UK.

The celebration of the New Year among the Yazidis which includes the picking of red flowers at spring and ceremony includes singing joyful heritage songs. Image taken 13th April 2021. Credit: Darman Rosho Khalaf from the village of Ba’azra, Duhok.
The ceremony of lighting the flames/torches in Lalish Temple on the evening of the Yazidi New Year April 2021. Credit: Derman Rasho Khalaf.

This online event will see us launch of a unique body of research conducted by women and men from Assyrian and Chaldean Christian, Kakai, Sabaean Mandean, Shabak and Yazidi ethno-religious backgrounds. They share experiences and untold stories of identity struggles and trauma, as well discussing practical barriers to equality, such as access to jobs and education.

At this critical juncture in Iraq’s political life, what can be done to ensure trauma is recognised and inequalities for ethnic and religious minorities are redressed?

Keynote speaker

Alice Wairimu Nderitu, UN Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide

Chair

Professor Mariz Tadros, IDS Research Fellow and Director of the Coalition for Religious Equality and Inclusive Development

Speakers

  • Faiza Diab Sarhan, Sabean-Mandaean Affairs Council and Alliance of Iraqi Minorities Network
  • Dr. Shivan Toma, University of Duhok
  • Professor Solaf Muhammed Amen Kakai, Salahaddin University, Erbil
  • Syria Mahmoud Ahmad Al-Qaddo, Head of Shabak Women Association and Founder of the Iraqi Minority Association
  • Turkiya Shammo, Yazidi IDP and civil society activist
  • Zeri Khairy Gedi, Yazidi civil society activist and founder of the Olive Grove Campaign

How to watch

Register on Zoom

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