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mission and vision
About the Team
Mission
The mission of the Kurdistan Women’s Global Alliance is to combat violence against women and promote microlevel peacebuilding in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq by empowering women and girls through the establishment of global and local mentorship networks, experiential learning, leadership training, community change workshops, and government lobbying.
Vision
Without peace for women, peace for the region cannot, and will not, be achieved.
Core Values
- Empowerment
- Resilience
- Mentorship
- Peacebuilding
Team
Erika Bak Schulten
Co-founderOrganization Co-founder and Executive Director Erika Bak Schulten holds a Master of Science in Global Affairs (Human Rights and International Law, with a specialization in combating gender-based violence) from the Center for Global Affairs at New York University (NYU). She first traveled to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) when she deployed in 2006 as a member of the US Air Force, conducting missions throughout Iraq. She experienced a deep connection with the Kurdish people and hoped to return to the region some day. That chance presented itself when, as a graduate researcher, she became a member of the Department of State-funded Joint Research Seminar in Peace-building between NYU and the University of Duhok in the KRI. Erika is a passionate advocate for combating gender-based violence around the world and promoting micro-level peace-building.
Shilan Shawkat Almahmada
Co-founder, member EmeritusOrganization Co-founder Shilan Shawkat Almahmada holds a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Resolution from the Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution at the University of Duhok in the KRI. She is a distinguished member of both the first and second years of the Joint Research Seminar in Peacebuilding and a life-long KRI resident. She knows first-hand the realities facing women in the region and has dedicated her life to creating change so that future generations do not fall prey to continued cycles of past violence. She is a dedicated professional who has worked for many years in the court system to investigate cases of violence against women and is also a well-known peace lecturer. Shilan is highly respected and known for being fearless in the face of adversity, working tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.
“Search for peace. Seek peace. Refuse to live without it.”
Shayma Kocher
Kurdistan Legal CounselShayma Kocher is a dedicated government lawyer and enthusiastic volunteer as our professional legal counsel. With a strong commitment to social justice and equality, she brings extensive legal knowledge and expertise to her role in our organization. Her experience in navigating complex legal frameworks and advocating for justice has been instrumental in supporting and protecting the rights of individuals. With a focus on gender equality, Shayma has actively worked towards creating a more equitable society in her legal practice.
Shayma additionally participates in our projects aimed at educating and empowering women. From organizing workshops on legal rights to facilitating mentorship programs, Shayma has played a vital role in helping women gain the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate societal challenges and pursue their goals.
With a compassionate and empathetic approach, Shayma is a trusted advocate and mentor to many women. Her ability to actively listen, provide guidance, and offer practical solutions has empowered numerous individuals to overcome obstacles and thrive. Shayma's dedication to women's empowerment extends beyond her volunteer commitments, as she continues to inspire and support women in her everyday interactions.
She is a vital member of our organization and we are proud to have her in our ranks.
Ikhlas Sabri Kocher
Kurdistan AccountantIkhlas Sabri Kocher, our organization accountant, is a dedicated mentor and voice for women's empowerment in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. With a passion for creating positive change and uplifting women, she has additionally played a pivotal role in numerous initiatives within our organization and elsewhere. She has also worked with with the Kurdistan Regional Government as an Accounting Executive in the real estate sector.
As a mentor, she brings a wealth of experience to guide and support women on their journey to personal and professional growth. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by women in Kurdistan, she offers valuable insights, strategies, and encouragement to help mentees overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential.
Having actively worked in the NGO sector focusing on women’s empowerment, she has cultivated a strong network and collaborative partnerships with various organizations and stakeholders. Through these connections, She has facilitated impactful programs, workshops, and events that have empowered countless women in Kurdistan.
She is passionate about creating safe spaces for women to express themselves, share their stories, and support one another.
She holds a strong belief in the power of education and lifelong learning. Continuously seeking knowledge and personal growth, she stays updated on current trends, research, and best practices in our field. This dedication ensures that she provides mentees with relevant and effective guidance tailored to their unique circumstances.
With a warm and compassionate demeanor, Ikhlas creates a supportive and nurturing environment for those who use our services to flourish. She strives to create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond individual mentoring relationships and is committed to shaping a future where women in Kurdistan have equal opportunities, access to resources, and the freedom to pursue their dreams.
Nalin Shawkat Taher
Program Assistant
Jehan Ahmed Abdullah
Jehan Ahmed Abdullah, PhD candidate, holds a Master of Science in Peace and Conflict Resolution and a Bachelor of Science in Law from the University of Duhok in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Jehan specializes in peacebuilding through conflict mediation among peers in schools and community youth organizations. She has extensive history lecturing throughout the Kurdistan Region at universities, regional and refugee organizations, and is an invaluable asset to the Kurdistan Women’s Global Alliance. Additionally, Jehan traveled to New York University in 2013 as a member of the State Department-funded Joint Research Seminar in Peacebuilding.
Sipal Shukur Rasheed
Sports LeaderSipal Shukur Rasheed, Sports Leader for our organization, is a rising member of the Iraq Women’s National Football Team and a distinguished graduate of the University of Duhok with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Sports Sciences. She leads our initiatives supporting and outfitting girls football (soccer) teams in Duhok and in refugee camps within the governorate. We are so proud to have her as the face of our organization for this initiative! She has traveled internationally as a professional football player and considers “helping people” a core value to who she is. Sipal is trustworthy, highly organized, works well under pressure, and strives to help others develop skills that will help them meet their goals. We are proud to have her with us!