Yanar Mohammed Feminist Defense Fund

"Yanar's Fund" supports women in Iraq and throughout the region who defend women's human rights and carry forward Yanar Mohammed's legacy.

Background: Yanar Mohammed, a formidable feminist leader, was assassinated at her home in Baghdad on March 2nd, 2026. MADRE established this fund to honor her and continue her work.

Primary Focus:

• Supports urgent needs of the Organization of Women's Freedom In Iraq (OWFI), the organization Yanar founded and led for decades
• Ensures OWFI has resources to continue without interruption and without isolation
• Protects and stabilizes OWFI for the future
• Supports women human rights defenders in the region to continue Yanar's legacy

Geographic Scope: Iraq and throughout the region

Infrastructure Supported:

• Networks of shelters
• Organizing spaces
• Legal advocacy
• Grassroots leadership
• Support for women and girls confronting violence, displacement, and systemic repression

Fund Purpose: The Feminist Defense & Continuity Fund protects feminist infrastructure so that feminist organizing can continue during times of disruption. OWFI's work interconnects with shelters, grassroots organizers, media platforms, legal advocates, and regional networks.

Long-term Goals: MADRE aims to build a permanent endowment that will sustain OWFI and women human rights defenders in the region for years to come.