Remembering Iraqi Activist Yanar Mohammed, a Fearless Freedom Fighter

Yanar Mohammed, founder of the Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq, was killed amid rising tensions from the U.S. war on Iran.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Yanar Mohammed, a renowned Iraqi activist and founder of the Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), was tragically killed just three days after the U.S. and Israel launched a war on Iran. Yanar had spent over two decades fighting for women's rights and against oppression in Iraq, facing constant threats and violence. She co-founded shelters for women fleeing abuse, launched feminist media outlets, and led protests and campaigns that brought down a corrupt government. Though her life was cut short, Yanar's legacy as a tireless advocate for justice and equality will continue to inspire people around the world.

Why it matters

Yanar's murder highlights the ongoing threats and violence faced by human rights defenders, especially women, in conflict zones like Iraq. Her work to empower marginalized communities and challenge oppressive forces made her a target, but also demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to enact real change. Yanar's story underscores the critical need to protect activists and ensure their vital work can continue.

The details

Yanar Mohammed returned to Baghdad in 2003 after fleeing with her infant son during the first Gulf War. She quickly noticed that the U.S. occupation had empowered Iraq's most reactionary political forces, who sought to subjugate women's rights. In response, Yanar founded the Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), opening its first office in a bombed-out bank in central Baghdad. Over the next 22 years, Yanar built OWFI into a powerful network of women's shelters, feminist media outlets, and cross-sectarian youth programs. She also co-founded the first organization of Afro-Iraqis, fought to defend women's legal rights, and led protests that brought down a corrupt government.

  • Yanar Mohammed was killed just three days after the U.S. and Israel launched a war on Iran.
  • Yanar had faced constant threats from Iranian-backed militias in Iraq for years, which were further galvanized by the new war.

The players

Yanar Mohammed

The founder of the Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), a renowned Iraqi activist who dedicated over two decades to fighting for women's rights and against oppression in Iraq.

OWFI

The Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq, a network of women's shelters, feminist media outlets, and cross-sectarian youth programs founded by Yanar Mohammed.

MADRE

An international women's human rights organization that partnered closely with Yanar Mohammed and OWFI over the years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Yanar knew that wherever there is terrible violence, there are people behaving magnificently.”

— Yifat Susskind, MADRE Executive Director

“Now you have what the US brought to Iraq, A paramilitary force working for the worst reactionaries in government, terrorizing communities and committing extrajudicial executions.”

— Yanar Mohammed

What’s next

Activists and human rights organizations around the world are calling for a thorough investigation into Yanar Mohammed's murder and increased protections for defenders of women's rights in conflict zones.

The takeaway

Yanar Mohammed's life and legacy serve as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of grassroots activism in the face of oppression and violence. Her fearless dedication to empowering marginalized communities and challenging injustice will continue to inspire people fighting for a more just and equitable world.