Women continue to be among the most vulnerable demographics in Iraq and those who are worst affected by continued instability and displacement. Having endured divorce, separation, or bereavement, many women are forced to adopt the role of sole provider and caretaker for their family’s social and economic needs.
Since the IOM Special Focus Report on Female Headed Households (FHHs) in November 2010, IOM monitors have continued to conduct interviews and assess FHHs throughout Iraq’s 18 governorates. IOM teams have reached out to a significant number of internally displaced, returnee, and host community FHHs through programmes providing legal and medical assistance, psychosocial services, education and vocational training.