In the heart of Iraq, a transformative initiative for empowering Yezidi women is unfolding. The Free Yezidi Foundation’s Holistic Care Centers (HCCs) provide a comprehensive, survivor-centered model of support for vulnerable individuals, particularly women and girls impacted by conflict, displacement, and violence.
The Holistic Care Centers offer a sanctuary where Yezidi women can access a wide array of essential services under one roof. These centers provide livelihood support, vocational training, legal aid, mental health support, protection, education, and promote awareness of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). This unique, integrated approach reduces the need for beneficiaries to navigate multiple institutions, minimizing delays and gaps in care and preventing retraumatization.
Why Holistic Care Centers Matter
Minority and vulnerable women, girls, and survivors in Iraq face multiple, intersecting challenges that require coordinated forms of support. Many existing aid systems in Iraq are fragmented, making it difficult for beneficiaries to access the complete range of care they need. By centralizing services in a single, safe space, FYF’s HCCs streamline access to critical resources and empower individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and autonomy.
Proven Model
This approach is inspired by proven models, such as Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo, PRADET in East Timor, and Thuthuzela Care Centers in South Africa, which have demonstrated the effectiveness of holistic, survivor-centered care. Recognized by UN Women as a best practice, FYF’s HCCs aim to create sustainable change by providing a seamless network of services that foster resilience and independence.
Key Features of the HCCs
- Local Hiring: Staff are recruited from the communities they serve, fostering trust and creating sustainable livelihoods.
- Accessibility: Free transportation and childcare services are provided to reduce mobility barriers for women and girls, ensuring they can safely access services.
- Economic Empowerment: Small business incubators within the centers help women rebuild their lives by addressing local market needs and enabling economic independence.
We are calling on international donors, philanthropic organizations, individual philanthropists, and corporate funders to join this circle and help:
- Expand the project’s impact.
- Contribute to evidence-based discussions to help make HCCs more sustainable and effective, fostering resilience and empowerment for minority women, girls, and survivors in Iraq.
- Mobilize resources to bridge funding and partnership gaps.
Your support can make a significant difference in creating lasting change.
Ticket fees
International Organizations
400 US$
Philanthropic Organizations
600 US$
Olivia Wells:
Circle Leader
Olivia Wells is a human rights advocate with a master’s degree in human rights law from the University of Cape Town. Her expertise is in prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), international criminal law, and sustainable development, with a regional focus on the Middle East. Over the past decade, she has worked with INGOs and international organizations, developing programs, promoting civic mobilization, managing donor relations, and establishing and maintaining partnerships. She has worked on the ground with marginalized communities in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Southern Africa to implement community-led sustainable development programs. For several years, Olivia has overseen large scale humanitarian and development programs benefitting the Yezidi and other religious and ethnic minority (REM) communities in Iraq. At FYF, she leads the programs, development, and communications teams, overseeing the organization’s portfolio of projects in Iraq and stewarding all relationships with donors and partners.
Cecilia Pedersen:
Circle Leader
Cecilia Pedersen is a development professional, specialized in the fields of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and forced displacement. Prior to joining FYF, Cecilia worked for the Danish Embassy in Cairo, where she covered migration patterns and human rights violations in MENA, with a particular focus on the rights of women and religious minorities. She previously worked with the Danish Red Cross Youth, advocating for the rights of asylum seekers and organizing community-based and capacity-building activities to ease the transition for young refugees into Danish society. Cecilia holds a master’s degree in international development and global studies from Roskilde University. At FYF, Cecilia supports the programs and development teams to design and implement projects and diversify FYF’s donor pool.
Alaa Shaheen:
Circle Moderator
Engineer Alaa, a Palestinian citizen from Gaza Strip, has overseen construction and management of multiple international development projects, including the Gaza Rapid Housing Project and the Gaza Middle Areas Community Services Program. His expertise extends to designing the Gaza Court-house and managing the construction of schools and infrastructure projects. Alaa has also led evaluation missions for over 25 international development projects in Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. His significant contributions cover sectors such as democratic governance, decentralization, refugee and migration issues, civil society strengthening, youth employment, and women’s rights.
Sami Shaheen:
Circle Facilitator
Sami is involved in a 5-year research project, “Beyond Neoliberalism: Voices from the Middle East and North Africa,” at The American University in Cairo, funded by the Ford Foundation. His research focuses on transformative economic development through industrial policy, innovation, and the knowledge economy. Sami spearheads the Giving Circle – MENA initiative, believing the best solutions emerge from radical collaboration, consensus, and political discernment. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The American University in Cairo and a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Glasgow.
