Evaluation "Living in Dignity" Project
The Living in Dignity project, led by medica mondiale in partnership with the local feminist organisation EMMA, delivered vital, holistic support to women and girls affected by sexualised and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the autonomous region of Kurdistan in Iraq.
Designed in response to the ongoing impacts of war, displacement and deeply entrenched patriarchal norms, the project provided stress- and trauma-sensitive psychosocial care, legal assistance, vocational training and community engagement to restore dignity, foster resilience, and promote long-term empowerment for survivors.
The evaluation of the project’s first phase (2019-2024) demonstrates that it was both relevant and impactful. More than 540 women and girls directly benefited from trauma-informed services, and over 20,000 people were reached indirectly through community outreach and capacity-building. Survivors gained essential skills in areas like sewing, baking and literacy, while legal aid and counselling helped many regain control over their lives. Staff from government bodies such as the Directorate of Combating Violence Against Women (DCVAW) also received training in gender-sensitive, trauma-informed care, improving institutional responses to sexualised and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Despite challenging conditions – including limited resources, security risks and conservative social norms – the project adapted creatively. It introduced feedback loops to ensure services remained responsive to community needs, shifted training closer to displacement camps for better access, and maintained service continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic via virtual sessions. This adaptability, rooted in a survivor-centred and feminist approach, was one of the project’s standout strengths.
The project’s coherence with national and international frameworks for sexualised and gender-based violence response further enhanced its impact. It filled critical gaps left by departing NGOs, especially in mental health and vocational support, and aligned with regional gender-based violence strategies. Still, challenges in full integration with government services remain. This is a key focus for the second project phase.
While the project was efficient – making strategic use of local partnerships, staff expertise and group-based care – its long-term sustainability has been mixed. Host communities showed stronger gains than Internally Displaced People’s camps due to better infrastructure and access to resources. In the camps, ongoing economic vulnerability, cultural resistance and lack of access to materials continue to pose risks. EMMA’s operational growth and stronger leadership visibility will be essential for ensuring long-term local ownership and impact.
The evaluation highlights key lessons and sets out 25 recommendations across awareness-raising, vocational training, institutional strengthening and project efficiency. These include increasing access to markets for vocational graduates, improving support for vulnerable groups like widows and girls with disabilities, formalising exit strategies and enhancing staff care in EMMA to prevent burnout.
Ultimately, the Living in Dignity project has demonstrated that meaningful change is possible – even in crisis contexts – when women are empowered with the tools, support and voice to rebuild their lives. As the second phase begins (2024–2027), the project is poised to deepen its impact by embedding services into local systems, amplifying survivor voices and fostering inclusive, trauma-informed support rooted in dignity and rights.
