Kurdistan Secures Official Seat in the G100 International Network

SESIMBRA, Portugal — A delegation representing Kurdish women at the G100 Leadership Summit 2026 in Portugal successfully shifted the prevailing perception of Kurdish women from victims to leaders and initiators. The summit concluded with a major achievement for the Kurdistan Region: the official announcement of Kurdistan’s representation in the global network.
According to a report by the Kurdistan Diaspora Media (KDS) website, the official media outlet of the Confederation of Kurdistan Diaspora, the annual G100 Leadership Summit took place from October 8 to 10, 2026, in Sesimbra, Portugal, under the theme "Power, Impact and Actions: Women Creating Change." The summit brought together prominent women leaders, entrepreneurs, legal experts, and influential figures from around the globe to shape new policies aimed at empowering women in international arenas.
At this global forum, Kurdish women actively participated through three institutions: the Kurdistan Diaspora Women’s Federation (represented by Shirin Zaki and Arez Mohammadi), the KG Lobby Center, and the Congress of Nations and States (represented by Awreng Shaweis).
The Kurdish representatives presented a fresh perspective on Kurdish women through two keynote speeches:
• Arez Mohammadi delivered the first speech, highlighting the critical role of the diaspora, social participation, and the creation of joint global networks, while sharing five fundamental lessons for modern leadership with the audience.
• Awreng Shaweis outlined an 8-stage roadmap designed to transform historical memory and trauma into knowledge, advocacy, and institutional change.
The shared message of both speeches emphasized that Kurdish women should no longer be viewed merely as historical victims, but rather defined as leaders, diplomats, legal experts, and catalysts for change.
In another panel held jointly with senior Swedish officials, the panel addressed the sacrifices of the Kurdish people in the fight against terrorism:
• Awreng Shaweis criticized the negligence of the international community, stating that while the world owes a debt of gratitude to the Kurdish people for their heroism in defeating ISIS, international support remains insufficient.
• She highlighted that Yezidi brothers and sisters continue to live in refugee camps and that, despite the presence of international aid logos, the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) carries the heavy burden of providing relief.
This discussion resonated deeply with the 60 women leaders present and 750 online participants, drawing over 100 questions regarding the urgent need to address challenges in the Kurdistan Region.
On the diplomatic front, on the final day of the conference, Ms. Shirin Zaki was officially appointed as the G100 Network Representative for Kurdistan. While Ms. Zaki previously served as the network's Security Wing Representative in Finland in 2024, this new appointment establishes a distinct and independent representation for Kurdistan within the organization's global operations.
As part of the conference program, a documentary film titled "Arar and the Dogs of Ajaj", directed by Muhammad Haji Qadir and produced by Kurdistan TV, was screened. Prior to the screening, Awreng Shaweis delivered an introductory presentation outlining the Anfal campaign, the Nugra Salman prison, and the historical struggle of the Kurdish people.
About the G100 Network
The G100 is one of the world's most influential international women’s alliances, comprising 100 prominent global women leaders across decision-making sectors, politics, economics, and human rights. The network aims to reshape international policy toward women's empowerment and social justice. Securing official representation in this organization provides a significant opportunity for the Kurdistan Region to participate in international partnerships and amplify the national and human rights issues of the Kurdish people to top decision-makers worldwide through skilled female advocacy.