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About the Forum

Under the impact of economic inequalities, geopolitical tensions, and environmental upheavals, humanitarian and social crises, as well as armed conflicts, are multiplying. This instability further excludes women from public, media, and political spaces, where their voices are increasingly marginalised or completely ignored.

Women journalists and activists in conflict and post-conflict zones face multiple violations in both their social and professional environments. Yet, they continue to document and defend human rights, peace, and climate transition—often at the risk of their lives.

It is in this context that the Voix des Femmes Sans Frontières (VFSF) initiative was created, with the aim of amplifying the voices of committed women by fostering international, intergenerational, secular, and apolitical dialogue. Since its launch in 2021 by Aide Humanitaire et Journalisme (AHJ), VFSF has grown into a vibrant network of over 350 women journalists and activists from across the Middle East and North Africa.

Recognised by UN Women France, the Generation Equality Forum, and showcased by the Paris Peace Forum as one of the 50 most impactful solutions for peace, VFSF promotes women’s professional empowerment, rights, and visibility through education, protection, and networking.

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What to Expect at #VFSFFORUM1

The first international edition of the VFSF Forum, organised in Erbil with the support of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will bring together 60 women from MENA and Europe for two days of awareness-raising, capacity-building, and international dialogue.

🎤 Key Formats:

• Grand Debates: Human rights, media freedom, feminist journalism, climate and AI

• Live Podcasts: Real-time voices and testimonies from the region

• Masterclass: Gender and climate justice in Iraq

• Networking Spaces: For civil society, media professionals, and students

• Creative Closing: Awards & restitution concert by women artists

 

Forum Programme Overview

🗓 3 MAY 2025
8:00–9:30 | Reception of speakers and participant accreditation

🔹 Opening Ceremony (10:00–11:00)
With representatives from the French Government, KRG, and AHJ. Includes the presentation of the VFSF initiative and artistic performance.

🔹 Grand Debate 1 (11:15–12:30)
Women, Journalism, and Human Rights in Conflict Zones
Journalists from Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen.

🔹 Grand Debate 2 (15:00–17:00)
Journalism, Human Rights, and Reconstruction – Focus on Syria
With Syrian women journalists and young activists.

🔹 Grand Debate 3 (17:30–19:00)
Women, Peace and Security
With representatives from international and local NGOs, and the UN Iraq.

🔹 Live Podcasts (ROOM 2)
14:30 | Minimalism – Mariam JENAN (EN)
16:00 | Mahattat – Jawahir OMER (KU)

🔹 Networking & Photo Booth (ROOM 3)
Open from 10:00–12:30 and 15:00–18:00

🗓 4 MAY 2025

🔹 Grand Debate 4 (10:00–11:15)
VFSF in Yemen – An Emerging Response

🔹 Grand Debate 5 (11:45–12:45)
Media, Women, and Artificial Intelligence

🔹 Masterclass (15:00–16:30)
Women & Climate Change in Iraq
Led by Hanene Zbiss

🔹 Grand Debate 6 (17:00–19:30)
Women and the Environment
Presentation of VFSF Iraq 2 investigations + KRG panel

🔹 Live Podcasts (ROOM 2)
10:30 | Silent Threat – Delvin RASHID (KU)
12:00 | Taqarob – Aya DHIYAA (AR)
14:30 | Mesh Maklaf – Kamilia KAMEL (AR)

🔹 Networking & Photo Booth (ROOM 3)
Open from 10:00–12:30 and 15:00–18:00

🔹 Closing Event – Erbil International Garden (20:00–22:30)
Closing remarks, recommendations, VFSF Awards, and live concert by VFSF-trained women musicians

 

📬 Contact Us:
sm@aide-humanitaire-journalisme.org
info.iq@aide-humanitaire-journalisme.org

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