How Livelihood Support and Housing Rehabilitation are Transforming Lives in Al-Qataniya
In the aftermath of genocide and conflict, rebuilding is about more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about restoring dignity, security, and opportunity. In Al-Qataniya, a Yazidi-majority sub-district in Ba’aj, Ninewa, Nadia’s Initiative (NI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with funding from the Government of Japan, have taken a critical step toward this goal.
As part of UNDP Iraq’s integrated Social Cohesion Programme, this targeted project – focusing on livelihood support and housing rehabilitation – has enabled NI to empower returnees, particularly Yazidi survivors of the 2014 genocide, to rebuild their lives and reclaim their futures.
A Region Devastated by Conflict
Al-Qataniya, like much of western Ninewa, bore the brunt of ISIS’ genocidal campaign and subsequent occupation. Mass displacement, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and economic collapse left thousands of families without a path forward. While many Yazidis remain in displacement camps, a growing number have returned, seeking to rebuild the lives ISIS sought to destroy. But they face immense challenges, such as unemployment, food insecurity, and lack of infrastructure.
Recognizing these urgent needs, NI and UNDP launched this project to provide economic reintegration support, vocational training, and safe housing solutions for the most vulnerable returnees, including women-headed households and survivors of ISIS captivity.
Empowering Livelihoods: From Dependency to Self-Sufficiency
A core component of the project was strengthening economic resilience through vocational training and small business support. Over six months, NI provided financial assistance and training to 263 individuals, including 91 farmers and 172 small business owners—many of whom are women striving to provide for their families in the wake of unimaginable loss.
For Amshe, a 27-year-old farmer, the project was a turning point. “We only started planting our farm last year for the first time since 2014,” she shared. “With the vocational training and financial assistance from NI, we were able to purchase a new irrigation system and high-quality seeds. Now, our farm is not just sustaining our family—it’s employing two other families.”
This impact extends beyond individuals; it strengthens entire communities. By introducing climate-smart agriculture techniques, NI is ensuring long-term food security and sustainable farming practices, crucial in a region already suffering from desertification and resource scarcity.
For others, NI’s training provided a second chance at independence. Dunya, a 23-year-old hairdresser, was only 13 when ISIS attacked, forcing her to abandon her education. “After returning home with my family, I pursued my dream of opening a hairdressing salon,” she said. “With NI’s support, I gained new skills and bought essential equipment to expand my services. We can’t change the past, but we can build the future.”
Over the course of the project, nearly 800 mentorship visits were conducted, providing beneficiaries with tailored support and hands-on guidance as they worked to rebuild their livelihoods.
Rebuilding Homes: Restoring Dignity and Stability
Beyond livelihoods, the project tackled another critical barrier to reintegration: the lack of safe housing. Many returnees found their homes destroyed or uninhabitable, forcing them into temporary shelters or rented accommodations. NI provided 12 women-headed households in Al-Adnaniya with grants to rehabilitate their homes, ensuring safe and dignified living conditions.
For Sara, a 46-year-old mother, this support was life-changing. “Our old house was made of clay and was no longer suitable for living,” she recalled. “My son was murdered during the ISIS occupation, and I had been living with family members in Sinjar, paying $100 a month in rent. With NI’s help, we built two rooms and a small kitchen. Now, I hope more families will return to Al-Adnaniya.”
This housing support was designed with cultural and environmental considerations in mind. From reinforcing structures to withstand local climate conditions to ensuring accessibility for elderly and disabled individuals, the project prioritized long-term stability and inclusivity.
Why This Project Matters
The impact of this project goes beyond numbers. It represents a commitment to justice, dignity, and long-term recovery. Every home rebuilt and every business launched is a testament to the resilience of survivors and returnees. But more work remains.
NI remains dedicated to ensuring that all returnees – especially Yazidi women and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence – have the tools, resources, and support needed to rebuild their lives. This project is not just about economic stability – it’s about restoring hope, agency, and a sense of belonging to communities shattered by conflict.
A Call to Action
As supporters of Nadia’s Initiative, you play a crucial role in this journey. Whether through advocacy, donations, or simply sharing these stories, you help amplify the voices of survivors and strengthen the movement for justice and sustainable recovery. Together, we can ensure that no survivor is left behind.
To learn more about NI’s work or to support future projects, visit Ways to Give.
