Daquq women host festival promoting rights, empowerment

KIRKUK — The “Step Toward Betterment” team held the first-ever women’s festival in Kirkuk’s Daquq district, featuring a range of activities, including a silent play addressing child marriage, a bazaar showcasing handmade crafts, and events promoting women’s rights. The festival, organized in collaboration with the Kurdistan Organization for Human Rights and the United Nations, is part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign aimed at empowering women.

Manar Luqman, the festival supervisor, told 964media, “We organized the Daquq festival, the first artistic, theatrical, and commercial event targeting women’s work and talents. This initiative aims to integrate women into society, and we hope it becomes an annual tradition.”

Luqman emphasized that the festival is part of broader efforts to remind society of the importance of rejecting violence and discrimination and working together to build a more just and equitable community.

Mohammed Bahjat, a representative of the Kurdistan Organization for Human Rights, highlighted the festival’s goal of strengthening social ties and providing a greater role for Daquq women in community life. “This festival is one of our initiatives. We also plan to organize workshops in Daquq and other areas led by women and open to diverse community members,” he said.

Banaz Jalal, a participant, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. “This is my first time participating in such a festival in Daquq, and it’s heartening to see the positive reception from the local community. As women, we need greater solidarity to make a broader impact and leave a clear mark on society,” she told 964media.

Muhannad Hatam, leader of the “Step Toward Betterment” team, explained the motivation behind the festival. “In Daquq, there is a lack of connection between women and society. This festival aims to create a space for women to engage in work and showcase their talents without fear or hesitation.”

Hatam emphasized that women are not just part of society but its foundation. “Our goal is to support women and boost their confidence so they can enter the workforce without barriers, criticism, or marginalization,” he said.