Awatef Rasheed is a seasoned consultant and advisor, bringing over 20 years of expertise in gender equality, public policy, and socio-economic development to international organizations in Iraq. Her extensive experience includes serving as Regional Advisor for the Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights (USA) on (MENA) region, a Board Member of the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW) in Ottawa, and as part of the Steering Committee for Feminists for Just and Equitable Public Policy (FemJEPP) in Nova Scotia, Canada, a Consultant for the Nobel Women’s Initiative on implementing the “ Stope Rape at Conflict” (Canada) covering the campaign activities in (MENA) region.

Awatef has provided technical support to major global entities such as the European Union, French Development Agency (AFD), UNFPA, UNWomen, Global Affairs Canada, USAID, World Bank. Her focus has been on integrating gender equality into programs and public policies, particularly in conflict zones, aiming to enhance sustainable development and advance gender rights. Her expertise includes monitoring projects, drafting reports, and leading workshops on women’s political empowerment, gender mainstreaming in public policy, and reforms of Iraqi laws to support women’s rights.

As the Real-Time Accountability Partnership (RTAP) Coordinator with UNFPA, Awatef led the monitoring of 17 UN clusters, ensuring effective gender-based violence (GBV) mainstreaming during conflict situations. She has also delivered training to local civil society organizations across Iraq, focusing on gender-balanced leadership, transformative women’s leadership, and organizational sustainability.

Awatef has been deeply involved in developing Iraq’s National Plan for UNSCR 1325, contributing to the empowerment of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and advocating for the Anti-Family Violence Law. She has also led campaigns on climate change programming, funded by USAID, and worked closely with local and regional governments to promote inclusive programming and sustainable strategies.

Awatef holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and Gender Studies from Saint Mary’s University, Canada, and a BA in English Linguistics from Basrah University, Iraq.