IWAW is driven by a mission to empower women whose lives have been shaped by the devastating realities of war, no matter where they come from or who they are. Through the transformative power of art, we create a space for healing, self-expression, and solidarity. This year has been marked by significant organisational milestones. We proudly became a Community Interest Company (CIC) and established a Director’s team, and our work has been recognised through funding, in-kind support and new partnerships, as well as the consolidation of longer-term partnerships. Throughout 2024, IWAW’s programme of activities harnessed the power of creativity to support self-expression and healing, and promote respect and the building of community, in the following ways: Exhibitions: A programme of exhibitions provided an opportunity for women affected by war and displacement to express themselves, and encouraged understanding and connection among wider audiences. Exhibition venues included the Old Fire Station in Oxford, Fusion Arts Centre, the Soldiers Museum of Oxfordshire and Oxford Town Hall. IWAW exhibitions are also displayed year-round at the Museum of Oxford and Makespace Oxford. Community Engagement: Collaborations and events provided creative and supportive spaces for women and their families while fostering inclusivity and cultural exchange. They included an International Women’s Day Fashion Show, The Carbon Cost of Fashion Show at Blenheim Palace, the conclusion of the year-long IWAW Ceramic Project in July, a collaboration with Gardens, Libraries and Museums, (University of Oxford Museums and Partnerships) to share heritage with wider audiences, seasonal celebrations and intergenerational Skills Sharing sessions with Oxford City Farm and the Museum of Oxford. Advocacy in Action: Our art and advocacy foster social cohesion by uniting women from diverse backgrounds to promote dialogue, empathy, and understanding. Through creativity and meaningful conversations, we contribute to local communities and encourage intercultural connections. This year, IWAW teamed up with Creators of Peace to host a transformative eight-week Peace Circle with women from diverse backgrounds, and founder Rana Ibrahim highlighted critical women’s and human rights issues through public appearances. Initiatives like ‘Dig On for Victory, Bra and Defiance’ in November emphasised the importance of empowerment and defiance in the face of adversity, while the artwork ‘Continuous Violence Against Women, Girls, and Children’ underscored the suffering faced by women, girls, and children in the majority world. Preserving Heritage: We preserved and catalogued our collections through the IWAW Collections, Cataloguing, and Exhibitions project at Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, not only ensuring the lasting impact and accessibility of our collections for future generations but also laying the groundwork for the launch of the Museum of Women - a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the stories, struggles, and resilience of Iraqi and other forced migrant women through art. IWAW in Numbers Over the course of the 2024, IWAW: - Supported over 40 women and their families - Exhibited more than 40 pieces of art - Delivered 42 workshops - Produced over 300 artistic creations - Made 15 new partnerships - Catalogued and archived 60 objects - Distributed around 400 bags of food - Carried out more than 10 outreach activities For more information, see the Iraqi Women Art & War annual review 2024 (available on request).

IWAW’s stakeholders are Iraqi women who are the survivors of war, conflict and trauma, other women affected by conflict and/or the asylum/immigration system, and the general public. Consultation Methods - Regular group sessions and workshops: IWAW holds art-based sessions, cultural events, and community gatherings where women can share experiences and feed into the direction of projects. - WhatsApp and social media groups: These platforms allow ongoing communication, feedback, and co-creation of ideas between participants and directors. - Surveys and informal discussions: After exhibitions and events, we gather reflections from participants, audiences, and partners to understand what worked well and what could be improved. - Advisory input from partners: Museums, heritage organisations, and community partners (e.g., Museum of Oxford, SOFO Museum, Old Fire Station, OCVA/Makespace Oxford) provide professional feedback and collaborate on shaping programmes. Actions Taken in Response - Adapting programme formats: Based on women’s feedback about family and caring responsibilities, IWAW has introduced shorter, more flexible workshops and family-friendly events. - Expanding beyond Iraqi women: Following requests from women of other backgrounds, IWAW opened its doors to a wider group of forced migrant women, creating a more inclusive community. - Creating food and fashion projects: Many women expressed interest in showcasing cultural heritage through food and clothing. In response, IWAW developed the Pop-Up Cafe/Mesopotimian Supper Club and Sustainable Fashion Shows, both of which are now regular features. - Increasing digital access: During and after the pandemic, stakeholders highlighted the need for remote access. IWAW responded with online exhibitions and digital storytelling, which remain part of our programming. - Heritage preservation: Participants asked for their stories and artworks to be preserved for future generations. This directly led to the IWAW Collections & Exhibitions Initiative, with cataloguing, storage, and the long-term vision of a IWAW Museum of Women.

Rana Ibrahim received remuneration of £2800 for her role as Freelance Community Curator, Education and Outreach Officer, and Lucy Nichols received £700 for preparing the annual report. This can be found in the ‘2024-25 transactions’ tab in the accounts.

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration