Assassination of Yanar Mohammed: A Catalyst for Change in Iraq's Women's Rights Movement

Yanar Mohammed, a prominent Iraqi feminist and women's rights advocate, was assassinated on March 2, 2026, outside her home in Baghdad. The Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), which she co-founded, reported that two gunmen on motorcycles opened fire, leading to her death shortly after being hospitalized. Mohammed, 65, was known for her tireless efforts in establishing safe houses for women and Yazidi victims of sexual violence perpetrated by the Islamic State.

She came from Canada to stand with Iraq’s women — and paid with her lifeNew York TimesHuman Rights Watch

Born in Iraq, Mohammed studied architecture at the University of Baghdad before moving to Canada to escape the oppressive regime and economic hardships of her home country. She returned to Iraq post-2003 U.S.-led invasion, co-founding OWFI and opening Iraq's first women's shelters. Over the years, she built a network that provided refuge for over 1,300 women facing honor killings, domestic violence, and trafficking. Her activism earned her numerous accolades, including the Gruber Prize for Women’s Rights in 2008 and Norway’s Rafto Prize in 2016.

She came from Canada to stand with Iraq’s women — and paid with her lifeHuman Rights WatchNew York Times

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International condemned Mohammed's assassination, labeling it a calculated attack on human rights defenders in Iraq. They highlighted a troubling pattern of targeted killings of activists, often attributed to Iran-aligned units of the Popular Mobilization Forces. Critics argue that the Iraqi government has failed to protect activists and deliver justice for previous assassinations, fostering a culture of impunity.

Human Rights Watch

In response to Mohammed's murder, Iraq’s Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari announced an investigative team would look into the incident. Human Rights Watch called for accountability, emphasizing that the authorities must identify and prosecute those responsible for her assassination. Mohammed's organization described her killing as a direct attack on the feminist struggle and urged the government to ensure justice.

New York Times

• “Yanar Mohammed was formidable, indefatigable, and an inspiring leader for women’s rights in Iraq,” — Sarah Sanbar, Iraq researcher at Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch

• “Her death shows the risks people take when fighting for freedom and justice.” — Adil Ahmed, civil rights activist

She came from Canada to stand with Iraq’s women — and paid with her life

• “The assassination of comrade Yanar shows that freedom-seeking women in Iraq live only a breath from death.” — Dashne Nariman, women’s rights defender

She came from Canada to stand with Iraq’s women — and paid with her life

The assassination of Yanar Mohammed has intensified discussions about the dangers faced by women’s rights activists in Iraq. Tamara Amer, another prominent activist, noted that her organization, Support Her Organisation, has ceased operations due to escalating threats. The ongoing violence against activists underscores the urgent need for protective measures and safe shelters for women in Iraq. Activists hope that Mohammed's legacy will inspire continued advocacy for women's rights, despite the risks involved.

Human Rights Watch

Yanar Mohammed's assassination serves as a stark reminder of the perilous landscape for women’s rights defenders in Iraq. Her dedication to empowering women and challenging oppressive structures has left an indelible mark on the movement. As calls for justice grow louder, her legacy continues to inspire activists both locally and globally, reinforcing the importance of fighting for equality and human rights.

Human Rights Watch