FYF Host UNAMI Delegation at FYF Center
FYF’s Enterprise & Training Center’s Crafts & Enterprise and Sugar is Sweet bakery & café were proud to host Annette Lyth, the UNAMI Senior Women’s Protection Advisor. These programs are managed and implemented entirely by Yezidi women.
During the tour, UN Senior Women’s Protection Advisor and FYF’s Country Director Hewan Omer discussed critical issues such as the aftermath of the Yezidi Genocide, the present state of mass graves, persistent prejudice against Yezidis and its core roots, and the situation of thousands of displaced Yezidis.
FYF stressed the significance of Yezidi-led initiatives, such as entrepreneurship and enterprise, as well as FYF efforts to improve justice and accountability through its justice program. The Member of the UN team observed the artisans and center workers, admiring the initiative and assistance provided for community-led initiatives to help repair and grow the community. They also remarked on the center’s female leadership. When hearing about prejudice in Iraq towards eating Yezidi-made items, they praised FYF bakery staff members on the drinks and hand-crafted sweets, and noted the forward-thinking nature of the effort.
FYF’s bakery is open to everyone, including members of the Iraqi and Kurdish communities, as well as international guests of all races and religions, as long as Yezidis are considered equal. FYF thanked UNAMI Senior Women’s Protection Advisor and her accompanying staff for their moral support, and for their decision to purchase a number of Yezidi artisanal items.