280 young men and women benefited form the program

Ceremony in Al-Zubauir concludes project to combat violent extremism

2024-02-18 | 20:55

AL-ZUBARI, BASRA – Al-Murtaqa Foundation held the closing ceremony for the “Wasl2” project aimed at combating violent extremism in Al-Zubair, with a distinguished attendance of intellectuals and human rights activists. The project’s programs focused on the escalating tribal conflicts following the population boom since 2003, raising concerns about the particularly adverse effects on women’s status in the area.

Osama Al-Kamil, the coordinator for the Wasl2 project, told 964media that “Wasl 2” aims to mitigate the phenomenon of violent extremism and is implemented by Al-Murtaqa Foundation for Development over a six-month period with funding from the International Organization for Migration.

The project began with the recruitment of volunteers in Al-Zubair, attracting 30 young men and women. A field survey was conducted in Al-Kut and Al-Shumal areas of Al-Zubair to identify problems and solutions, involving around 300 participants of both genders. The findings were then communicated to the local government.

A total of 12 workshops were organized, attended by 280 youths, with the participation of local government officials, members of the Committee to Reduce Extremism, community police, and civil society organizations.

The ceremony featured a theatrical performance reflecting the project’s theme and traditional musical pieces from Al-Zubair.

Afrah Faleh Ali, a member of the Committee on Combating Violent Extremism, highlighted the challenges faced by women in Al-Zubair, particularly due to the poor economic conditions affecting graduates and the impact of tribal conflicts that degrade women’s status.

The influx of migration into Al-Zubair after 2003 has led to tribal disputes and the reintroduction of stringent customs not traditionally associated with Al-Zubair, negatively impacting the social environment and diminishing the role of women.