Who we are

BAGHDAD WOMEN ASSOCIATION

Vision

BWA’s vision is to combat all forms of violence against women and girls, while ensuring their legal protection, equality, respect and all human rights.

Mission

To limit and mitigate violence against women and girls by providing all required services for women survivors of violence; by calling to implement the appropriate laws, policies, and government programmes to support women, while aiming to increase the political involvement of women through the development of leadership skills through knowledge, growth, and capacity building.

Ms. Liza Nissan Hido is a prominent human rights defender and women’s rights advocate in Iraq.
She is the co-founder and current President of Baghdad Women Association, established in 2004. With over 25 years of experience in public service and a strong background in technology and governance, Ms. Liza has become a leading figure in the movement to advance equality between men and women and combat violence against womenand girls in Iraq.
Ms. Liza holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Technology in Baghdad. Her technical education and experience working in the Ministry of Finance – Department of Information Technology have equipped her with strategic leadership and analytical skills, which she has effectively applied to her advocacy and organizational work.
In addition to her role at Baghdad Women Association, she has served as a member of the municipal council for Hay Al-Mashtal district, and in 2003 was nominated Chairperson of the Women and Child Committee, reflecting her long-standing commitment to the welfare and rights of women and children.

Ms. Liza is internationally recognized for her participation in key global platforms. She has represented Iraqi civil society at the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the AWID Forum in Turkey (2012), and the 100th anniversary of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) in 2015. Through these engagements, she has contributed to shaping the global discourse on justice between men and women and women’s rights.

As President of Baghdad Women Association, Ms. Liza leads initiatives aimed at eradicating violence against women, providing support services for survivors, and advocating for policy reforms that promote equality and political participation. Under her leadership, the Association continues to be a pioneering force in women’s empowerment, peacebuilding, and civil society development in Iraq.
Ms. Liza is widely respected for her expertise in management, capacity building, and organizational development. She is a strategic thinker and tireless advocate, dedicating her life to ensuring that Iraqi women and girls live free from violence and enjoy their full rights.