Sunday, June 22, 2025
From Doubt to Advocacy: Shakir’s Journey of Empowerment in Ba’aj
In the remote town of Ba’aj, Ninewa, 25-year-old Shakir grew up facing daily hardship, with limited access to water, electricity, and jobs. Like many others, he worked as a labourer, struggling to meet basic needs. When World Vision Iraq introduced an advocacy training through the Nexus Accelerator Fund, Shakir was initially sceptical, but the sessions empowered him and other youth to speak up about community issues. They raised awareness via local media and social platforms, resulting in small but meaningful changes, such as a reduction in water tanker costs. The training not only built knowledge but also sparked confidence and leadership. Today, Shakir is a vocal advocate, inspiring others to act. Through this initiative, 159 youth from Ba’aj and Sinjar have been trained in advocacy and peace-building. The project equips young people to raise their voices, organise around shared concerns, and contribute to long-term solutions in conflict-affected areas, fostering hope and resilience in marginalised communities.
