What We Do

Ranked as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, Iraq faces significant environmental challenges that directly threaten its stability and prosperity. The rapid loss of forests across the country has already impacted nearly seven million Iraqis, exacerbating extreme heat waves in urban centers and affecting the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.

Hanasay New Organization, an Iraqi feminist organization formed by young activists aged 8–60, has been at the forefront of addressing these environmental and social challenges. Since its establishment in 2015 and official registration as an NGO in 2018, Hanasay New has worked tirelessly to advocate for women's rights, climate action, and environmental sustainability.

With a network of courageous young women, Hanasay New has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about climate change while empowering women and girls to take leadership roles in environmental advocacy.

In a significant move towards strengthening Iraq's legal and protection systems, the Hanasay New Organization successfully launched a national conference aimed at improving protections against extortion. The event brought together high-level stakeholders from various sectors — government officials, civil society leaders, legal experts, and advocacy groups — focused on addressing the growing issue of extortion in Iraq and its impact on vulnerable communities, particularly women and youth.

During the conference, attendees discussed effective strategies to strengthen existing protection systems, enhance legal frameworks, and promote better enforcement mechanisms. Experts highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach involving government institutions, civil society, and international partners to ensure lasting and systemic changes.

"The fight against extortion is essential to building a safer and more just society. This conference marks an important step in creating solutions that protect vulnerable groups and strengthen Iraq's ability to combat exploitation in all its forms." — Khoshy Jawhar, Executive Director of Hanasay New

The conference emphasized the need for comprehensive legal reforms, enhanced accountability within institutions, and increased awareness to tackle extortion effectively. Hanasay New remains committed to driving forward initiatives that protect human rights and contribute to Iraq's long-term stability and development.

In May 2024, Hanasay New Organization (HNO) hosted a key conference in Baghdad, bringing together international and national stakeholders to discuss the critical role of women in peace processes and conflict resolution. The event served as a platform to address women's involvement in peace and security, emphasizing their contribution to shaping negotiations, post-conflict reconciliation, and long-term stability.

The conference highlighted the importance of advancing women's rights, gender equality, and the effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Key discussions focused on enhancing women's participation in decision-making and promoting their leadership in peacebuilding. HNO's successful event underscores its commitment to empowering women in Iraq and promoting their active role in peace and security efforts.