Annual report Period 20[th] March 2023 – 30[th] June 2024
INTERNATIONAL IRAQI WOMEN’S ASSEMBLY
CIO Charity Number: 1202394 4 YATESBURY COURT STUDLEY CLOSE LONDON E5 0TZ
Trustees
Sundus Al-Hassany chair Dr Sundus Abdulrazaq Layla Ali
Objects
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To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded, in particular but not exclusively Iraqi and Arabic speaking women, and assisting them to integrate into society, by providing:
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education and training in the English language and in vocational skills;
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advocacy, advice and support;
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social and recreational facilities and events involving the local community.
For the purpose of this clause ‘socially excluded’ means being excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of one of more of the following factors: unemployment; financial hardship; youth or old age; ill health (physical or mental); substance abuse or dependency including alcohol and drugs; discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, disability, ethnic origin, religion, belief, creed, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment; poor educational or skills attainment; relationship and family breakdown; poor housing (that is housing that does not meet basic habitable standards; crime (either as a victim of crime or as an offender rehabilitating into society).
- The prevention or relief of poverty among refugees in Iraq by providing items to individuals in need and/or charities, or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty.
Activities
Our activities during this period have included:
Bazaar @ Sound Bazar
Bazaar
Over the past year, we organized a community Bazaar focused on supporting women-led small businesses and handmade goods . The event provided a vibrant platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products, helping to promote local talent, economic empowerment, and community connection. It also contributed to raising funds for our ongoing charitable programs.
We organised the "Sound Bazar," an innovative marketplace for women with small businesses. This vibrant event gave local women a unique platform to showcase and sell their products. At the Sound Bazar, participants could connect directly with potential customers, network with other entrepreneurs, and gain valuable business insights, which fostered growth and sustainability in their enterprises.
Translation and Interpretation Services
Recognising the challenges faced by refugee families, we offered translation and interpretation services. These services enabled refugees to navigate crucial systems, helping them access healthcare, education, legal assistance, and other vital services essential for their integration and well-being. The broader impact of this was felt by those we supported, as well as the services such as the NHS and schools.
Food Parcel Distribution
To address food insecurity, we launched a food parcel distribution programme for individuals and families facing financial difficulties.
International Humanitarian Aid
We extended humanitarian aid to people in crisis across several countries, including:
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Refugee camps in Gaza, Cameroon, and Mosul (Iraq).
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Communities affected by conflict and poverty in Yemen.
Our international aid efforts focused on delivering food, basic supplies, and emergency assistance to those in need, using our charity partners in each area.
Summary
These activities reflect our ongoing commitment to compassion, inclusion, and global solidarity. Whether through our local empowerment projects or international relief efforts, we aim to create a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
We sincerely thank all our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and committed partners for their continued support, which is vital in making this important work possible.