Dear Friends and Supporters,

This month, FYF resumed holistic service provision at the Enterprise and Training Center (ETC) in Khanke. With complementary access to a range of protection, education, and livelihoods activities, vulnerable women and girls are provided with safe spaces to learn, grow, and heal, as well as the support they need to rebuild their communities.

We were also honored to welcome a political delegation from the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg, together with FYF’s long-standing partners from the Stiftung Entwicklungs-Zusammenarbeit Baden-Württemberg (SEZ), to our ETC in Khanke. Their visit reaffirmed the strong partnership and shared commitment between FYF and SEZ to advancing women’s empowerment, recovery, and resilience in Iraq.

FYF LAUNCHES "SEEDS OF STRENGTH" FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW

This month marked the launch of "Seeds of Strength: Skills, Language & Livelihoods for a Brighter Tomorrow", a new SEZ-supported initiative. The program will create new employment opportunities at FYF’s Sugar is Sweet® Café and extend its opening hours, while offering comprehensive education and training courses to empower vulnerable women and girls and strengthen their economic independence.

The project also aims to enhance the mental health, psychosocial well-being, and social cohesion of displaced REM women and girls through holistic protection services and community-based support. Activities will include recreational activities, legal protection, and psychosocial support awareness sessions, benefiting more than 250 women and girls.

FYF WELCOMES STATE SECRETARY AND SEZ DELEGATION TO KHANKE

This week, FYF had the honor of welcoming Mr. Florian Haßler, State Secretary for Political Coordination and Europe in the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg, together with FYF’s long-standing partners from SEZ, to our ETC in Khanke.

In discussions with the political delegation, FYF highlighted its progress in empowering Yezidi women and the ETC’s continued impact in sustaining essential services, despite significant disruptions in the humanitarian funding landscape this year. The conversation also touched on ongoing challenges facing the Yezidi community, including protracted displacement, limited livelihood opportunities, and the continued need to champion women’s rights and empowerment.

FYF extends its deep appreciation to the delegation for their positive engagement and encouragement for future collaboration.

Together, we are building a stronger, brighter future for women in girls in Iraq.

Sincerely,
Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation