Justice for Yanar Mohammed Iraqi Women Defender
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The Kirkuk Governorate community announced the deeply disturbing news of the killing of prominent Iraqi woman human rights defender and feminist Yanar Mohammed on March 2, 2026, in an armed attack in Baghdad. Mohammed was the co-founder and director of the Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), known for establishing safe houses and advocating against gender-based violence, including honor killings. This announcement serves as a call for justice for her murder, highlighting the signific...
Yesterday, we were hit by incredibly disturbing, saddening and unsettling news.
On 2 March 2026, woman human rights defender and feminist Yanar Mohammed was killed in an armed attack at her residence in northern Baghdad.
Yanar Mohammed was a prominent Iraqi woman human rights defender and feminist, and the co-founder and director of the Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI). Since 2003, she had worked to protect women facing gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, trafficking, and so-called ‘honour killings.’
Under her leadership, OWFI established a network of safe houses across several Iraqi cities, providing protection and support to hundreds of women. Yanar Mohammed led these efforts despite all the ongoing impediments and risks. She was a strong advocate for secularism and women’s equality.
Throughout her activism, Yanar Mohammed faced death threats and, at times, was forced to restrict her movement.
Justice for Yanar Muhammad.
