RAPID GENDER ANALYSIS,

SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY,

DIYALA GOVERNORATE-IRAQ

January 2021

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Table of Contents I: LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS ...................................................................................................... 3

II: LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................................... 3

III: LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................................ 3

01: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Diyala Governorate- Context Information ............................................................................................ 5

1.2 Brief Introduction of the Project............................................................................................................ 5

1.3 Objective of the Gender Analysis .......................................................................................................... 6

02: METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Gender Analysis Study Purpose ............................................................................................................. 6

2.2 Ethical Considerations ........................................................................................................................... 7

03: GENDER ANALYSIS FINDINGS ................................................................................................................. 7

3.1: Difference between the role and responsibilities of men, women, boys and girls now and before the crisis ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

A-Daily Clock ......................................................................................................................................... 7

B- Control and access of the resources .............................................................................................. 10

3.2: Specific needs of men, women, boys and girls .......................................................................... 12

3.3: Copying strategies of men, women, boys and girls ................................................................... 13

3.4: Security of men, women, boys and girls after crisis .......................................................................... 14

04: RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 15

This report was produced under the United Nations Development Programme’s Iraq Crisis Response and

Resilience Programme (ICRRP) with the generous funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic

Cooperation and Development (BMZ), provided through KfW Development Bank. The study/assessment was

commissioned to Ms Irnum Malik through a partnership with Oxfam Iraq. The views expressed in this

publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the United Nations, including

UNDP and the UN Member States.

Copyright © 2020 UNDP. All rights reserved.

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I: LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS FGDs Focus Group Discussions GBV Gender Based Violence GBVIMS Gender Based Violence Information Management System HH Household IEC Information, Education and Communication. ISIL Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant NFI Non-Food Items UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNOCHA United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs WHH Women Headed Household.

II: LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Diyala Governorate Map (United Nations) ........................................................................................................................ 4

Figure 2 Summary of Humanitarian Profile- (UNOCHA, HNO, 2020) ...................................................................................... 4

Figure 3 Gender in brief- Iraq .................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Figure 4 People in Need(Diyala Governorate) ................................................................................................................................... 5

Figure 5 FGDs respondents’ details(Area and gender wise) ....................................................................................................... 6

Figure 6 Male FGD-Al-Sadiyaa/Al-Asakira/Khanaqin .................................................................................................................... 8

Figure 7 Male FGD- Shaq-Al-Raq/Sidor/Moqdadiyah ................................................................................................................... 9

Figure 8 Male FGD- Jazira Al-Aula/Sinsil/Moqdadiyah ............................................................................................................... 10

Figure 9 Female FGD- Chimirkhi/Sinsil/Moqdadiyah .................................................................................................................. 12

Figure 10 Male FGD- Al-Ali Village/Sinsil/Moqdadiyah .............................................................................................................. 12

Figure 11 Male FGD- Nofal/Sinsil/Moqdadiyah .............................................................................................................................. 14

III: LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Area and gender wise details of FGDs Participants. ...................................................................................................... 7

Table 2 Daily work clock of FGDs participants(men and women) ............................................................................................ 8

Table 3 FGDs respondents view for the control of resurces and services. .......................................................................... 10

PHOTOS ON COVER Photo 1: FGD meeting with male community members at Nofal, Sinsil village, Al-Moqdadiyah

Photo 2: FGD meeting with Female community members at Chimirkhi, Sinsil village,Al- Moqdadiyah.

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01: INTRODUCTION Iraq is a diverse country with a population made up of various ethnic and religious groups and gender norms often vary across communities. Comprised of 19 governorates, Iraq also has an autonomous region (the Kurdistan Region of Iraq) in the northern part of the country1. The total population is 39,307,7833 out of which 891,811(50.6%) are male and 19,417.792(49.4%) are female. The average household is composed of 7.74 members2.The situation in Iraq remains unstable with widespread humanitarian concerns. Years of conflict uprooted millions of people, eroded social cohesion, disrupted access to basic services, destroyed livelihoods and led to increased protection risks. The impact of the conflict continues to affect the physical and mental well-being, living standards, and capacity for resilience and recovery of millions of Iraqis. According to the UNDP Gender Inequality Index, in 2020, Iraq ranked 123 out of 160 countries. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Iraq is widespread and reported in camps and in out-of-camp settings. According to GBV IMS data, nearly 1.3 million people are at risk of GBV, of which 61 per cent are in areas of return and 38 per cent in areas of displacement, and 1per cent within the host community. Threats faced by these communities includes domestic violence, sexual violence, exploitation and abuse (including by security actors and humanitarians), forced marriage, including child marriage, and denial of resources to (especially female headed)3. Limited economic opportunities and gaps in assistance lead to negative coping strategies including forced and child marriage and survival sex4. According to GBV IMS data, 98 per cent of GBV survivors who reported GBV are women or girls. Domestic violence is the main gender-based violence context for reported incidents, followed by forced/child marriage. About 90 per cent of female-headed households in-camp reported monthly income of less than 480,000 IQD. compared to the average 85 per across all households in camps5. Specifically, women are more likely to be financially vulnerable with less savings and higher debts, putting them at high risk of engaging in negative coping strategies and exploitation. Increased household needs put women’s health and nutrition at risk, as they prioritize their family’s survival and basic household needs over their own. Additionally, women (particularly those who are divorced or widowed) encounter logistical and security constraints accessing food due to social norms preventing their mobility and increased risks of GBV when travelling6. Furthermore, Women Headed Households with perceived affiliation to ISIL are bearing the brunt of the crisis and denied access to essential services and resources7.

1 Rapid Gender Analysis Covid-19 Iraq, Cansu Aydins, Demographic Profile, June 2020: Pg:05. Available at: https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/sites/www.humanitarianresponse.info/files/assessments/rapidgenderanalysis_iraq_final.pdf. 2 Available at: World Bank, Iraq Population Total, 2018: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=IQ accessed on: 23/02/2021. 3 According to UN estimates, 10 per cent of households in Iraq are female-headed, Emergency Livelihoods in Iraq- 2020 4 UNOCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview Report,Nov,2019, 3.6 Protection, Sub-sector Gender based violence, Pg:53. 5 MCNA VII, August 2019. 6 UNOCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview Report,Nov,2019, critical problems related to resilience and recovery:Pg-21. 7 According to monthly reports from governorate-level GBV working groups. Fig 01: UN, JAU, Iraq District Map, January 2014 , Available at: https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/sites/www.humanitarianresponse.info/files/documents/files/A1_A0_JAU_Iraq_Districts_2014_0.pdf accessed on 23/02/2021. Fig 02: UNOCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview Report,Nov,2019, Summary of Humanitarian Needs, Pg: 04.

Humanitarian Profile: 6.13 million,

People Affected: 5.62 million(92%)

People in Need: 4.10 million(67%)

People in acute need:1.77 million (29%)

(Women27%, Children46%, With disability 15%)

Figure 1 Diyala Governorate Map (United Nations)

Figure 2 Summary of Humanitarian Profile- (UNOCHA, HNO, 2020)

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1.1 Diyala Governorate- Context Information Diyala Governorate is comprised of six districts and extends to the northeast of Baghdad as far as the Iranian border. The province has a mix of Sunni Arab, Shi'a, and Kurdish residents8. Diyala province has 1.65 million inhabitants, of whom 55% are Sunni Muslims, 25% are Shiite Muslims and 25% are Kurds. Another 10% are

divided amongst Christians, Turkmen and Yezid9. While return rates are slowing down, the vulnerabilities of some returnees remain constant. Overall, an estimated 514,000 returnees across 286 locations in 8 governorates live in areas of high severity of needs, indicating a lack of livelihoods, basic services, social cohesion, and security. Women and girls, specially WHH, face additional challenges in accessing resources10. as they are more vulnerable to physical and sexual exploitation. With this lack of information and incomplete or no civil documentation to access these resources affect their ability to recover from emergencies11. With this female headed IDP households often face problems of securing a consistent source of income and in dealing with government bodies.

1.2 Brief Introduction of the Project Oxfam Project ‘Sustainable livelihoods & economic recovery- Diyala’ is implemented by UNDP, in partnership with Oxfam; with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), provided through KFW Development Bank from 2020-2021(17 months). The project intends to create longer term livelihood opportunities for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and host communities, with a focus on youth and women. The project aimed to target 613 (minimum) individuals for the temporary employment placement activity, 100 for vocational training and 90 for asset replacement and business grants.

The project will specifically focus jobless individuals from marginalized and unprivileged groups, youth and women (including young women) will be prioritized with a 40% ratio expected to be reserved for female participation. The outcome and outputs of the project are described below:

Outcome: Longer term livelihood opportunities for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and host communities, with a focus on youth and women are created in selected areas of Khanaqin and Al Muqdadiya districts.

8 Special Interest Group on Information Retrieval. Parent organization,2011. 9 UNOCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview Report,Nov,2019, Impact on Systems and Services, Pg-14. 10 UNOCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview Report,Nov,2019, 2.1 Risk Analysis,Pg-31. 11 21 per cent of IDP households in camps are headed by females. 32 per cent of total camps population are women and adolescents in households that reported relying on negative coping strategies to meet basic needs. 28 per cent of females in camps reported missing key documentation, and 10 per cent reported feeling unsafe in some areas in camps, MCNA VII, August 2019. Fig 03: Gender in Brief- Iraq Pg 01, available at: file://pkisbsrv001.ogb.internal.oxfam.net/configs/imalik/Desktop/GiB%20Iraq%20(CARE%20Oxfam)-1.pdf accessed at 23/02/2021.

Population: 50.6% male to 49.4% female Population by Age: <5yrs 14%; 5-19yrs 36%; women 15-49yrs 25%; >65yrs 5% Average household size: 6 (5 in KRI) Female headed households: 10% Polygamous households: 12.3% women with co-wife Literacy Rates 15-24 yrs: male 84.1%; female 80.5% Infant Mortality rates: 28 per 1000 live births.

Figure 3 Gender in brief- Iraq

Figure 4 People in Need(Diyala Governorate)

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Output 1: 2 community level multi-sector ground truth assessments and a Rapid Gender Analysis Output 2: 2 Rapid Market Assessment (RMA) of IDPs, returnees and host communities Output 3: 90 vulnerable individuals (at least 36 women) among the IDP, returnees and host communities benefit from asset replacement and micro business support grants to recover and enhance existing businesses Output 4: 100 vulnerable IDPs, returnees and host community members (at least 40 women) receive vocational training in selected areas of Khanaqin and Al-Muqdadiya districts, Diyala Governorate Output 5: 613 people in selected areas benefit from cash for work (CfW) opportunities Output 6: 2 basic community infrastructures are rehabilitated through CfW and apprenticeship/on-job-training activities in selected areas Output 7: Community-based GBV prevention sessions (using the Indashyikirwa programme) are conducted for project beneficiaries of output 3,4,5 and 6

1.3 Objective of the Gender Analysis This gender analysis has been conducted to:

• Explore the different impacts of the crisis and potentially changing gender roles and dynamics on women, men, boys and girls.

• Inform the effectiveness and relevance of long-term women’s rights and gender justice programming; and;

• Provide recommendations for adapting humanitarian programming to meet the specific needs of women, men, girls and boys.

02: METHODOLOGY 2.1 Gender Analysis Study Purpose This gender analysis study aims to provide additional information and recommendation needed to achieve gender integration in ‘Sustainable livelihoods & economic recovery in Diyala’ Project by identifying specific recommendations. The gender analysis will help the project staff to learn, explore and to better understand the gender dynamics to ensure the effective implementation of the project to contribute in bringing transformative changes in the community. Focus Group Discussions: Oxfam Team conducted 20 FGDs with men and women(separate) in the rural areas/villages of both districts. For FDGs same villages were selected but the individuals covered under structured interviews were not repeated in FGDs. Each FGD was attended by 13-15 participants approximately. Majority of men and women were in the age range of 30-45 years. Whereas, few of them were more than 45 years.

Young boys, young girls and marginalized individuals remained a part of these meeting discussion. Oxfam team ensured the presence of young boys and girls age (18-29 years) in the FGD (i.e. 40% boys in male FGDs, 27% in female FGDs) to capture their views for each discussion topic/theme. Details of which can be seen in the figure 05. Moreover, among 295 FGDs participants; 07 participant were disabled( 05 Female; 02 Male). After each focus group discussion, the facilitator and note-taker met to review the main themes of the discussion. They summarized patterns of responses and confirm consensus or conflicts that emerged from the participants.

The area and gender wise details of FGDs participants can be seen in the table 01 below:

Boys, 20%

Men, 31%

Girls , 13%

Women , 36%

Figure 5 FGDs respondents’ details(Area and gender wise)

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Table 1: Area and gender wise details of FGDs Participants.

Gov District Sub-district Areas FGD Type FGD Participant Total Male Female Men Women

Diyala Moqdadiyah Sinsil villages Abo Dihan 01 01 17 15 32

Diyala Moqdadiyah Sinsil villages Al Aali 01 01 22 15 37 Diyala Moqdadiyah Sidor Aljazeera Alola 01 01 15 14 29 Diyala Moqdadiyah Sinsil villages Alasewd 01 01 13 15 28 Diyala Moqdadiyah Sinsil villages Chemrkhi 01 01 15 14 29 Diyala Moqdadiyah Sidor Nawfal 01 01 15 14 29 Diyala Moqdadiyah Sidor Shaq Alraq 01 01 12 12 24 Diyala Khanaqin Al-Sadiyaa Al Asakira 01 01 12 15 27 Diyala Khanaqin Jalawla Bahiza 01 01 14 15 29 Diyala Khanaqin Jalawla Jumaila 01 01 15 16 31

Total 10 10 150 145 295

2.2 Ethical Considerations The study respected ethical considerations throughout data collection, especially when interacting with women and children. • Before interacting with respondents, they were explained the purpose of this study and the use of data

collected upon which their consent was requested. In case an individual refused to participate s/he was not compelled to participate or demoralized by any means and study team moved on to another appropriate interviewee to meet the target numbers.

• Focus group discussion and community level interviews with women and girls were carried out by female researchers. Whereas all the other data collection streams had female representation in the data collection team. Safety and security of the survey participants were of paramount importance. No risk or harm was involved in this study.

• All data collection activities were carried out with all the precautionary measures for covid-19 i.e., face masks, use of hand sanitizers and 6 feet distance between all those gathered for data collection. Any person having fever, or any signs of covid-19 was not made part of the study.

03: GENDER ANALYSIS FINDINGS The impacts of humanitarian crisis are not gender neutral. Global evidence shows that when disasters strike, and humanitarian crises unfold, they have differential impacts on women, girls, men, boys and persons of diverse gender identities. Humanitarian response informed by gender analysis means that humanitarian action incorporates recommendations identifying the shifting needs, capacities and priorities of women, girls, men and boys.

3.1: Difference between the role and responsibilities of men, women, boys and

girls now and before the crisis

A-Daily Clock Difference between the role and responsibilities of men and women: The roles and responsibilities of women, men, boys and girls in Iraq are fluid, changing with the political and security situation. Within the home, Iraqi men and women generally have gender specific roles. More than 40% of Iraqi men reported they do no household chores at all. Men are primarily responsible for being the bread winners and protecting the grace, honor and life of their families12.

12 Gender in Brief- Iraq Pg 01 available at: file://pkisbsrv001.ogb.internal.oxfam.net/configs/imalik/Desktop/GiB%20Iraq%20(CARE%20Oxfam)-1.pdf(accessed on 23/02/2021)

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To assess the difference between the role and responsibilities of men and women, the team asked the FGDs participants how their typical day looks like.

Assessment team observed a huge different in the routine of men and women. According to the majority of men stated that they wake up at 6:00 am, start their day with prayers, while women and girls prepare the breakfast. After having breakfast, they leave for their work, which usually starts at 07:00 and ends at 17:00 with one-hour break for lunch and prayers, to later go back home to take some rest13. They have dinner at 7:00 pm and later spend the rest of the day with social visits, meeting friends and some entertainment activities such as watching television. Young boys also either help their elders in their field work or work as daily wage worker/laborer. In the afternoon, they access social media on mobile phones.

Women reported a different routine. According to the majority of female participants they wake up around 05:00 to 06:00 am and start their day with kneading the dough, prepare breakfast for the husband and the children. After sending the men of the HHs to their work and children to school, they start doing different household chores simultaneously. Lunch preparation starts from 09:00 am to 10:00am. They take lunch with the children and men around 12:00 pm. After having lunch, they take some rest and then get busy with the other household work which includes gardening, care work of the family elder and the children, collection of firewood and meeting with the other women from the neighborhood. Then they start preparing dinner and after having dinner; they watch TV with the family for some time and go to sleep around 09:00-10:00 pm. Whereas, young girls informed the assessment team that they help their mothers in the household chores and also support them in income generating activities for instance: Pastry making, pickle making, stitching clothes etc. Table 02 shows how they daily day look like as per FGDs participants responses.

Table 2: Daily work clock of FGDs participants(men and women)

Difference between the role and responsibilities of men, women, boys and girls (before crisis): While discussing the difference between the role and responsibilities of men, women, boys and girls before the crisis majority of the respondent commented that their routine was totally different before the crisis i.e. June 2014. Men and women both were extensively involved in farming and livestock management. Elders, toddlers and one woman used to remain at home for cooking. If the HHs children attended school, they did not have to join their parents in the fields.

13 FGDs were conducted with rural communities; more than 80% of the men were found to be engaged in Agriculture and Livestock management; while remaining

were working as a daily wage laborers/worker or had a small shop at the village level.

Daily Clock(Men) Daily Clock(Women) Daily activities Timings Daily activities Timings

Breakfast Around5-6:00am Breakfast Around 5-6:00am Working 07:00am to 5:00pm Sending school children and men to work Around 06-07:00am Lunch Around 12-01:00pm Cleaning Around 07-12:00pm Social activities Around 06-07:00pm Lunch From 12 to 01:00pm Dinner Around 07-08:00pm Rest Around 01-02:00pm Watch TV Around from 08:00

10:00pm Caring of elders, helping children in studies, gardening, collection of firewood, meeting with other women from neighborhood etc.

02:00-07:00pm

Sleeping

Around 10pm-06:00am

Dinner Around 07-08:00pm Watch TV Around 08-09:00pm Sleeping Around 09-10:00pm

Figure 6 Male FGD-Al-Sadiyaa/Al-Asakira/Khanaqin

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Almost all the male participants mentioned that they used to work in their fields from the early morning till sun set. There was no difficulty in movement and transportation of agriculture and livestock products to the other cities. Few women informed the team that some women were teachers, tailors, and hairdressers too and were contributing to household income. Young boys while reflecting on the situation added that before the crisis there was no difficulty in movement and transportation between the village and other cities. They used to go to schools and college and travel to other cities for tourism, social visits and friends gathering. Whereas, girls used to study and meet with their class fellows, relatives and friends which is not the case after crisis. Difference between the role and responsibilities of men, women, boys and girls (after crisis) :The majority of men and women told the assessment team that before the crisis they used to remain busy with their outside work, namely in the field and farms, but after the crisis things have entirely changed. Almost all the men added that they come back from their farms and wok early before the sunset because of the security situation. Their working hours have reduced now. Young boys commented that they left their education after crisis and opted for work either in their native village/city or moved to the other cities looking for jobs to support their families. Few male participants added:

‘People who are working in the village are working on the low wage rate to meet the daily expenses of their

families’ (male FGDs participants, village Jalwala Bahiza)

Few men also informed the assessment team that loss of livelihood sources has not only impacted the income level and assets of the household but also affected the mental health of men and family lives.

‘Due to stressful situation and economic problems we witnessed increase in family problems i.e. gender based

violence and divorce cases in the village after disaster’. (male FGDs participants, village Nawaful)

Women lost their jobs in farms, schools, parlous, sewing and mostly stay at home since the outbreak of the crisis. They added that their whole routine has changed but there is no changes in the expected role and responsibilities of the men and women Especially women have to comply with HHs chores (i.e. cooking, cleaning), caring responsibilities and since men come back to their homes earlier than they used to, this puts more pressure on female family members as they expected to look after the males comfort when at home. Very few participants, especially women, commented that there is no change in the work routine before and after crisis as they were staying at home before the crisis too. Whereas, majority of girls also left their studies to ease the burden of education expenses on their families and to support their mothers in the household chores. Young girls mentioned:

‘After the crisis we are not allowed to go outside for work or meet with friends because of security situation’(female FGDs participants, village Asewid)

Covid-19 has further worsened the daily routine of people due to movement restriction and reduced livelihoods activities. Men spend more time at home and visiting close relatives and friends in nearby areas. The findings show that after coming back from work from men have more time for rest and social activities (for instance: meeting with friends, social media, watching TV)than women, who are responsible for each and everything related to the household.

Preference for community meetings and distributions: While commenting on the prefer time for community meeting and distribution; majority of men and women identified morning time as the most convenient to have meetings and receive assistance in distributions. Some men mentioned that afternoon and evening are most preferred as when they come back from work, they do not

Figure 7 Male FGD- Shaq-Al-Raq/Sidor/Moqdadiyah

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usually have fixed engagements or appointments. However, few men and women mentioned that distribution sites are often far and distribution timings in evening are not safe and convenient for women and girls to travel and access because of the security and protection issues. Some families don’t allow the women and girls of their families to access these sites and get involved in the distribution site due to the cultural reasons. Few of them also mentioned that they don’t see female staff of humanitarian aid organizations at the distribution sites which also inhibits the access of women and girls to these sites.

B- Control and access of the resources Access and Control of food and non-food items by men, women, boys and girls: As per FGDs findings men, women, boys and girls felt no difference in accessing food, on-food items and other services at the household level. However, team received different responses regarding the control of food and non-food items at the household level. Table below shows the respondents views regarding control of the resources or services in detail.

Table 3 FGDs respondents view for the control of resources and services.

Resources or services

Control (Women FGD) Control (Men FGD)

Girls Women Boys Men Girls Women Boys Men

Water

Food

Clothes

NFI distribution

Health services

Education

Planting

Majority(< 80%) Btw 50% to 80% Few > 50%

During the discussions, majority of men and women participants informed the assessment team that men have control on the over all the resources including water, food, clothes, NFI distribution, health services, education and planting. Whereas, the scope of decisions of women on food seems to be limited to how these items are prepared and consumed.

Almost all the female participants expressed that men are budget holders of the household; therefore, they control and make decisions on purchases of food and non-food items. Data collected further suggests that limited livelihoods opportunities have led to reducing expenditure on NFIs for instance: clothing, home decorative items , unnecessary non-food item. Few women taking part in FGDs explained the extent of control of women to resources is linked to their employment status as well; in those HHs where women have an income generating opportunity, their decision-making power is higher in this regard. This shows that although loss of livelihoods opportunities affects all, for women, loss of decision-making power is an additional and gendered consequence.

Both men and women said that power dynamic regarding the control of the resources or services are the same as before the crisis. However, they mentioned that the access to food for men, women, boys and girls has decreased after crisis because households lost their livelihood sources. Their farm productivity has decreased due to less availability of agriculture inputs and damages to the water sources. Women who used to contribute to the farming and livestock rearing are staying at homes now which also affected the HH income. People now purchase food items from markets which are often in other towns or cities, adding transportation costs to food prices. This takes a toll on the overall Figure 8 Male FGD- Jazira Al-Aula/Sinsil/Moqdadiyah

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quality and quantity of the food available after the crisis. One male FGD participant stated:

We have reduced the expenses on NFI’s and limited ourselves to purchase of necessary items such as diesel,

water filters etc. Low income affected the quality and the quantity of the food and NFIs. (male participant, Abu-

Dehin)

While referring to the impact of disaster on education; almost all young boys and girls informed the assessment team that education has also been impacted by the crisis as schools are damaged, teachers are not available, classes are overcrowded, and non-formal or private schools are difficult to afford. Girls informed that they left their education due to the security conditions and to ease education expenses on their families. Young boys also interrupt their studies as the situation pushes them to move to other cities looking for jobs to financially support their families.

Regarding health services, women and men told the assessment team before the crisis they had primary health services available in the villages. For specialized medical treatment they used to go to the hospitals in the cities. However, these primary health centers are damaged now. Doctors and paramedical staff are no longer available due to security issues.

‘’As health care centers in villages are damaged, doctors and paramedical staff is no longer available therefore, we have to travel to other cities which is very difficult especially at nights due to the security situation

.Moreover, medical services in these hospitals are very expensive; people like us cannot afford them’’ (female participant Al Sadiya Alasakra)

Access to water was also affected by the crisis. Men and women informed the assessment team that before the crisis an adequate quantity of water was available for the drinking and HHs chores that includes: Washing, cooking, bathing etc. availability of water for household chores, However, after crisis the quantity and quality of the water has now decreased14. Available water is not safe and clean for drinking purposes as water sources and water distribution channels also got damaged during the war. Participants told that they have to purchase drinkable water from the markets which add on the household expenses.

‘Water sources are polluted; water is not suitable for drinking unless water filters are used; due to poor quality of water incidences of water borne diseases were also reported in people; most of the people are buying

the drinkable water from local market’’ (Male Participant- Aljazeera)

All men and women mentioned that crisis has completely damaged their livelihoods sources and businesses. Their shops were burnt, and money was either stolen or lost at the peak of conflict. Damage was also suffered by the material and commodities in the shops and businesses. Their business contacts and assets were misplaced and lost during the crisis. There was no one to do business with and no one to offer services. Very few respondents told that their business was not impacted due the crisis. Men added that crop production is currently severely hindered by reduced access to land due to the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) as well as by the lack of governmental assistance in terms of seeds, fertilizer and pesticides. One of the male FGD participants added: We cannot access our fields due to the restriction from the security agencies as they are far off, fields are also not clear yet. Our tools and farm machinery is damaged; We lost cows, goats, sheep and poultry. livestock sheds are also not intact. we are not getting any support from the government to revive our agriculture business and restock livestock. Things are totally out of our control ( Male Participant- Shaq Alraq-Al-Moqdadiyah) Women participant told that they face additional challenges in accessing their farms due to the physical and sexual exploitation and informed the assessment team that they cannot go out to the near-by fields without accompanying male family member.

14 Almost half of the population (46%) suffers from irregular availability of drinking water, a figure which rises to 74% in Al-Muqdadiya district. Around half of all households in Al-Muqdadiya (47%), drink water directly from a stream, river or lake available at: http://www.iauiraq.org/gp/print/GP-Diyala.asp

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3.2: Specific needs of men, women, boys and girls Who is vulnerable? Male community members termed ‘’vulnerable’’ as those households who lost their livelihood sources and assets as a result of crisis. whereas, women identified ‘’vulnerable’’ as those households who lost their family members, especially head of the families, widows or those households whose houses got damaged. On further discussion few men also added that people suffering from chronic diseases and disabled individuals are also most vulnerable as they don’t have any livelihoods sources and cannot go outside or depended on others for their food and non -food items. Majority of community men and women identified poor families of their respective villages as vulnerable because their men have lost their livelihood sources and their houses are damaged too. These households have less access to the quality food and non-food items. Health conditions of these households also got compromised due to stress and lack of availability of public health services. Although private clinics exist, not all households have the financial capacity to access these or travel to those locations. Young girls during the FGDs identified those girls as ‘’vulnerable’’ who left their educational activities and stay at homes. These girls also cannot marry because of the financial conditions. Whereas, young boys said that boys who left their studies and travelled to the other cities for labor work are ‘vulnerable’’. Needs of women, men, boys and girls: During the FGDs, men and women identified different needs. More than 90% of men mentioned that they need cash assistance for the purchase of agriculture inputs and to livestock restocking, cash for work, jobs, vocational training and business support to recover and re-built their businesses. Few young boys beside referring to the income sources also asked for the provision of entertainment sources, construction of playgrounds and parks so that they can get out of the stressed environment and spend some time with their friends and families. Almost all the women mentioned that they are also in need of cash assistance, jobs, work, vocational trainings and support to start small businesses, at some villages women and girls also identified the need of parks where they can go with their families especially girls as they are confined in their houses and have no place to go outside.

Assessment findings shows that majority of both young boys and girls identified vocational training and skill development as in important and urgent need to enhance their livelihood sources and to contribute in the income generating activities of their families and also to continue to their education. Fewer women told that they are also in need of awareness rising sessions regarding Gender Based Violence, women empowerment, and the importance of the girls’ education. They added that these sessions should be arranged for men and women both. Therefore, although needs reported were similar across genders, women were more likely to believe the inclusion of GBV related issues to be necessary in projects to be implemented. This highlights the need to also focus on men and boys to engage them in gender discussions.

Figure 9 Female FGD- Chimirkhi/Sinsil/Moqdadiyah

Figure 10 Male FGD- Al-Ali Village/Sinsil/Moqdadiyah

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3.3: Copying strategies of men, women, boys and girls Different coping strategies used by men, women, boys and girls: According to the FGDs, affected communities demonstrated negative or undesirable coping strategies to meet the basic needs of their households which includes: increase in debts, liquidation of productive and non-productive assets, early child marriages, child labor etc. During the FGDs almost all men informed the assessment team that they sold their assets (furniture, household items), borrowed money from their relatives or took debt from the Government for the reconstruction/rehabilitation of the damaged houses, for the restoration of their livelihood sources or for fulfilling the basic food and non-food needs of their households. Nearly, half of the male respondents further added that they have reduced spending or controlled the consumption of food and non-food items. They opted for the less expensive and less desirable food items which were mostly less nutritious(i.e. cereals, leafy vegetables, pulses, potatoes etc.) and limited themselves to the purchase of very important or necessary non-food item to sustain for the longer time. There were less than half of the respondents who returned or stayed in the damaged houses due to lack of financial resources and support for the construction of their houses. However, there were few male respondents demonstrated positive behavior by accepting the situation and were satisfied with the reality. Around 2% respondents told the assessment team that they started watering their fields in the morning now instead of nighttime because of security concerns. One male member during the FGDs mentioned:

‘ I quit smoking in order to save money to meet the food needs of my family’’ Whereas, more than half of the boys left their education and moved to other cities so they can do some labor work and can generate income for their families. Very few young boys also mentioned that they join occasions or social functions to eat. Majority of the women during the FGDs revealed that they skip meals, cut their food portions whereas, more than half of the women reduced water consumptions, spending on clothes and other non-food items to prioritize of men. Very few reported to sell their jewelry to support their husbands to catch up household needs. However, 20-30% women opted for positive coping strategy i.e. they got themselves involved in home-based work for instance, cloth stitching, pastry making or poultry farming too. More than half of young girls told the assessment team that they discontinued their education to ease the burden of education expenses of their families and to support their mothers in doing the household chores and home-based income generating activities such as sewing, pastry making, pickle making etc. Few girls also reported to sell their jewelry. Some women and girls while discussing the coping strategies added:

Few families in the village married off their daughters at the young age(early marriage) due to the security reasons and to reduce the burden on household expenses (Female FGDs participants, Village Abo-dehn and

Village Al Jazira Ola) Skills and capacities of women, men, boys and girls: According to FGDs participants, majority of men and boys possess the farming, livestock rearing, laboring and shop management skills. Few respondents also mentioned that men and boys in the village also possess shaving, car mechanics, computer repairing, mobile repairing, marketing., driving, mining, carpeting , plumbing and electrician skills . Whereas, majority of women and girls reported to possess vocational skills i.e. sewing, stitching., embroidery skills. Around half of the women and girls mentioned that they also possess cooking, pickle making house management, baking i.e. bread and pastry making, agriculture management, livestock and poultry keeping skills. Few respondents also pointed parlor keeping and beautician skills.

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Reliance on resources and support: During the FGDs; men and women informed the assessment team that they need support for the rehabilitation of their business and work. When they were further asked to mention the specific support, they referred to; assistance in purchasing seeds, fertilizers, repairing their agriculture instruments, tractors, ploughers, and damaged water channels to start their farming and agriculture related activities. Men and specifically women mentioned that they need support in the livestock too, specifically: restocking, feed items for the livestock, vaccinations of animals, etc. Almost all the men and women mentioned that they need cash and kind support in reviving their damaged businesses and for the starting new ones for instance: rehabilitation of damaged shops, assets replacement and improving access to the markets. Men and women also identified need of vocational training and tool kits for boys and girls so that they can upgrade their vocational and business management skills and can contribute into the income of their household. For the most vulnerable people in the village the FGDs participants appraise the need of cash assistance.

3.4: Security of men, women, boys and girls after crisis Places where women, men, boys and girls feel unsafe: Almost all the men and women informed the assessment team that it is not safe to stay out especially after the sunset. They cannot go to their own farms even in the daytime as they are far from the village. They added that security forces do not allow them to go there because danger is not over yet and people fear of being accused of ISIS affiliation. Some fields still have explosive devices and war remains. Few women commented that no area is safe, and they are under the constant pressure and fear that anything can happen any time. Women and girls do not leave their houses without their male family members even if they go to the relative houses or nearby markets, which shows that an overall fragile security landscape limit their freedoms even more. Assistance available for men, women, boys and girls: All men and women referred family members, Mukhtar

Sheikhs, Tribal leaders, police, Iraq Army-PMU, and the security forces as focal points to go if they encounter

any problem related to security. Some men named political and community leaders too for getting assistance

when needed.

Steps for the creation of safe environment: Assessment team asked men and women that what can be done for the creation of the safe environment. In this regard all men and women FGDs participant said that people should cooperate with the police and law enforcement agencies, follow their instructions and also inform them in advance if they see any unusual activity in their surroundings. They added that people should also be cooperating with the Mukhtar and other community leaders too on the security issues. The majority of men and women were also of the view that prosperity brings peace; when the economic conditions of the people will improve the incidence of looting, mugging and theft will automatically be reduced. Almost all respondents reported concerns on the empty houses IDPs left behind as they can be occupied by non-state actors and ISIS. Therefore, return of IDPs to their places of origins can contribute to fighting insecurity according to participants of FGDs. People also suggested that security issues can be solved by employing the PMF volunteers in official security forces. Around 1-2% men and women also stated that farmers should be given permission of working at nights to irrigate their farms. They also added that security agencies should facilitate the movement of people and traders to/from the village to minimize the fear and threat.

Figure 11 Male FGD- Nofal/Sinsil/Moqdadiyah

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04: RECOMMENDATIONS Oxfam envisions societies where women gain power over their lives and no longer live in poverty, and where men and women challenge inequalities and benefit from tackling restrictive gender roles. These recommendations are framed within this vision of gender justice. • Provide GALS (Gender Action Learning System) training to the community youth. This will help them in

taking control over their personal, household and community development. It will also support them to be more collaborative in intra-house decision making processes.

• . Project can arrange short leadership courses for both young boys and girls. These courses/sessions will

enhance their agency, decision making and influencing skills. These trained boys and girls can replicate the attained learnings and messages to the wider community to make them more resilient and confident

• With the engagement and active involvement of community men and boys, women and young girls can be

encouraged and motivated to consider non-conventional vocational training courses such as on-line businesses, on-line data entering, freelance content writing, mobile repairing, etc. This will help to transform gender roles which limit women to traditional/conventional tasks and jobs.

• Project should actively engage with men, boys, religious and political leaders of the community to challenge gender and social norms that perpetuate GBV. The importance of girls’ education should take a central role.

• Project can arrange short leadership courses for both young boys and girls. These courses/sessions will

enhance their agency, decision making and influencing skills. These trained boys and girls can replicate the attained learnings and messages to the wider community to make them more resilient and confident.

• Project should also remain alert for the incidences of child labor in cash for work interventions.

• Project should build and train a cadre of young boys and girls in both districts to replicate the messages of

gender equality, prevention and response to GBV among the wider community. This trained cadre will serve as an ambassador of women’s rights and will contribute into the sustainability of the project.

• Gender should be considered at all distribution and activities sites: distribution process should be women friendly; presence of women staff should be ensured; distribution sites and times should be accessible and convenient (preferably morning and afternoon) for women and girls.

• Project should include Training of Trainers for partner staff on gender equality, prevention and response to GBV and early marriages so the quality and standard content/ messages could be passed across the community.

• Following a feminist approach, vulnerability should be understood from an intersectional perspective, not only considering gender but also how other categories (income levels, disabilities, placement status, etc.) overlap creating scenarios of added risks and vulnerabilities.

• Project should provide safeguarding information and awareness raising sessions on sexual exploitation and abuse to the communities; and ensure the Complaints Feedback and Response Mechanism is in place at the community level.