Al-Mesalla Vocational Training Program Opens Career Opportunities for Women in Mosul

Mosul, Iraq
In an effort to empower women and strengthen their role in the labor market, Al-Mesalla, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), launched a comprehensive vocational training program designed to build the professional capacities of women in Mosul. With generous support from UNFPA, the program successfully equipped 60 women and girls with valuable skills, confidence, and pathways to professional empowerment.

Breaking Traditional Boundaries

The program moved beyond conventional training, offering women the chance to explore diverse and in-demand professional fields:

• Event Management & Organizing:
  Participants gained hands-on training in event planning with a focus on weddings and social gatherings. The training not only provided practical skills but also introduced marketing strategies to help participants turn their knowledge into sustainable livelihoods.
• CNC Machine Operation:
  Another group received training in operating computer cutting machines (CNC)—a field rapidly growing in Mosul. By equipping women with technical expertise, the program enables them to enter a professional sector traditionally dominated by men, expanding opportunities for a more diverse workforce.
• Graphic Design:
  A creative track introduced women to the principles of graphic design and modern digital design tools. With demand for these skills rising in industries such as printing, advertising, and marketing, participants are now better prepared to enter and succeed in this expanding field.

Empowerment Beyond Skills

The initiative was not only about transferring technical knowledge—it sought to build confidence and encourage women to pursue career paths that may have once felt out of reach. By enabling participants to align their professional skills with their personal passions, the program opened doors to sustainable employment and income generation, supporting both women and their families.

A Collaborative Commitment

This initiative underscores the strong partnership between Al-Mesalla and UNFPA, reflecting a shared commitment to empowering women and girls in post-conflict Mosul. Through vocational training, the program helps women become architects of their own success stories, shaping a future where equality, opportunity, and resilience define the path forward.