Women Leading Change in Halabja: A New Era of Economic and Social Empowerment
This wave of women’s empowerment in Halabja extends beyond entrepreneurship. In a rare example in the region, women occupy the majority of government leadership positions—from the governor to senior administrative roles—demonstrating the community's growing trust in women's leadership capabilities.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In the city of Halabja in the Kurdistan Region, women’s participation in economic and social life is no longer a distant aspiration but a tangible reality, exemplified by inspiring success stories of female leadership and entrepreneurship.
In the scenic tourist area of Hawraman, Nasrin Othman stands out as a symbol of dedication and perseverance. Since 2012, she has managed her own restaurant alongside her husband. Today, the establishment has become a well-known destination for both locals and tourists. "We established this restaurant in 2012, and thankfully, our business is thriving," Nasrin told Kurdistan24 while busy serving customers. "We receive a great number of visitors, including tourists and locals alike."
Nasrin's journey is not unique—it reflects a broader trend of growing female empowerment across the region, supported by civil society organizations aiming to bolster women’s economic independence.
Among the leading organizations in this field is NWE (meaning “New” in Kurdish), a Halabja-based group focused on environmental protection and women's rights. "We are a women-focused organization, and more than 17 of our staff members are women," said Hero Wakil, the group’s director. "Our doors are always open to any woman looking for work." She added, "Since 2012, we have implemented over 25 projects in collaboration with international partners, and 95% of the beneficiaries have been women. Our goal is to help women launch their own businesses and achieve economic independence."
This wave of women’s empowerment in Halabja extends beyond entrepreneurship. In a rare example in the region, women occupy the majority of government leadership positions in the city—from the governor to senior administrative roles—demonstrating the community's growing trust in women's leadership capabilities.
With 36 recognized tourist sites across Halabja, opportunities for women to initiate new ventures are on the rise, allowing them to play a greater role in their city’s development and in attracting more visitors.
Halabja’s transformation is more than a shift in gender roles—it is a powerful example of how inclusive development can reshape communities and inspire future generations.
Asan Mohammed, Kurdistan24's correspondent in Halabja, contributed to this report
