Safe Spaces for Women and Children of Mosul

Donor: ZOA International

The Safe Spaces for Women and Children Project aimed to provide integrated psychosocial, educational, and economic support to the most vulnerable populations in Mosul following liberation from ISIS control, with a particular focus on women and children who experienced psychological trauma and prolonged educational disruption.

In 2017, four psychosocial support centers were established across both sides of Mosul. In 2018, the project expanded to six centers (three in West Mosul and three in East Mosul). In 2019, services continued through three centers (two in West Mosul and one in East Mosul), with a focus on sustainability and strengthening community impact.

The centers delivered a comprehensive package of services including:
- Individual and group psychosocial support sessions
- Counseling and guidance on trauma coping mechanisms
- Educational support programs for children, particularly those who had been out of school during the three years under ISIS control
- Literacy programs and life skills education for women
- Livelihood activities for women, including short-term vocational training, productive skills development, and support for small income-generating initiatives to enhance self-reliance and household income
- Formation of peacebuilder groups to promote social cohesion
- Educational activities aimed at promoting peace, citizenship, cooperation, respect for human rights, and environmental protection
- Legal support services for vulnerable women

Results achieved during the implementation period (2017–2019):
- 15,248 children received psychosocial and educational support
- 9,819 women received psychosocial and educational support
- 243 women received legal assistance
- A number of women were economically empowered through livelihood support and income-enhancing activities

The project contributed to reintegrating children into the education system, supporting psychological recovery for women and children, strengthening household economic stability, and promoting social cohesion within affected communities, thereby contributing to post-conflict stabilization in Mosul.