Iraq
Building a Sense of Belonging
Prosperity Catalyst began working in Iraq in 2013 with the goal of growing the economic opportunities for vulnerable groups, such as female heads of household, war widows, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Prosperity Catalyst established a social enterprise hub to support sustainable, women-owned businesses in Iraq by providing rigorous technical and business management training and serving as a link between these enterprises and the international market. The enterprise hub allows us to prioritize the most vulnerable in Iraqi society through market-driven solutions.
The program in Iraq has expanded from a cohort of candle artisans in Baghdad to hundreds of artisans and entrepreneurs in Erbil, Dohuk, Mosul, Dhi Qar, Muthana, and Hilla. In these locations, all trainings are adapted to each area’s unique resources resulting in an array of carefully handcrafted products. Businesses that engage with Prosperity Catalyst are linked across regions into supply chain networks, including raw material suppliers, artisans, and buyers. The goal of these networks is to build a business ecosystem that can engage in sales relationships, share knowledge, address common concerns, and elevate the voices of women and youth.
Constellation of Services
In addition to providing services to improve the economic well-being of women, men, and youth, Prosperity Catalyst recognizes that in order for participants to take advantage of business growth opportunities, many of them need a constellation of additional services. Therefore, we partner with local NGOs with an expertise in providing legal guidance, psychosocial support, and interventions for those who have experienced gender-based violence.
Together with the support of our generous partners and the hard work and determination of our project participants, Prosperity Catalyst has been able to achieve the following impact in Iraq:
1,464 women, youth, and men have been trained in technical skills to prepare them for artisan entrepreneurship opportunities, such as sewing, candle-making, and jewelry-making.
676 women, men, and youth have benefited from business management training, and 260 business plans have been completed.
Small business owners have increased their monthly revenue by an average of 150%.
551 women have received entrepreneurial kits with the tools and materials needed to launch or expand a business.