Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani announced the Basmat (Fingerprint) Initiative, which provides soft loans for women to start small and medium-sized projects. The program operates in cooperation with several national banks.
Al-Sudani praised all contributors to the initiative. He said it will enhance women’s participation in the economy and strengthen their role in national and social development. He highlighted the government’s focus on women’s sectors, including the Higher Council for Women, which coordinates national efforts to support women.
The Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stressed the government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment. He noted that the initiative aligns with the broader strategy to reduce unemployment and create job opportunities for women. He highlighted that the government will support activities that provide both financial and moral assistance.
Al-Sudani referenced the Riyada (Entrepreneurship) Initiative, which has already included more than 500,000 young men and women. Women account for 27% of applicants, reflecting growing interest in business opportunities.
The Prime Minister also commended the private sector, especially banks, for backing women-focused programs such as Basmat. He said the government will complement loans with training, advisory services, and support platforms for various women-led projects.
The Basmat Initiative will fund a wide range of women’s enterprises across productive, service, and technical sectors. These include home-based food production, tailoring, small e-commerce ventures, agriculture, women’s service centers, childcare facilities, and design-related businesses.
The program offers loans under simplified conditions tailored to the needs of women’s small and medium enterprises. It aims to remove financial barriers and empower women to launch and grow their businesses efficiently.
Officials expect the initiative to increase women’s active participation in Iraq’s economy, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote sustainable social development. By combining financial support, training, and advisory services, the Basmat Initiative sets the stage for long-term growth in women-led sectors across Iraq.