Baghdad: The Ministry of Planning held a joint technical meeting with the World Bank on Tuesday to discuss the Economic Empowerment Plan for Women in Iraq, within the framework of the Mashreq Initiative.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting focused on mechanisms for implementing the plan, particularly in developing the skills of displaced and refugee women, and contributing to reducing unemployment and poverty in the affected areas. A statement by the Ministry indicated that the meeting was chaired by the Deputy Minister for Technical Affairs, Dr. Maher Hammad Johan, with the participation of several directors-general and specialists.

The discussions addressed key issues, including the preparation of training programs to qualify women, establishing general and specialized workshops in cooperation with the private sector, as well as the Ministries of Trade and Labor and Social Affairs, and provincial councils. The meeting also explored the launch of a dedicated website for applications to the training programs under agreed regulations.

Further discussions included exploring innovative ideas, developing skills according to educational qualifications and geographic diversity, supporting women entrepreneurs, and providing training opportunities for displaced and returning women to strengthen their integration into the labor market. The meeting was attended by Qusay Abdul-Fattah, Director General of Technical Affairs at the Central Bureau of Statistics, and Mohammed Sadiq, Secretary-General of the Council for Private Sector Development.