SOCIAL WELFARE STRATIGIES FOR COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN KURDISTAN

Abstract

This study focuses on the strategies used to empower the community and reduce poverty levels. The Kurdistan Region Government is part of Iraq. Following an attack from ISIS, fluctuations in oil prices, and internal conflicts, many internally displaced persons from Iraq and refugees from Syria were forced to flee, resulting in increased poverty and unemployment in the community. Poverty rates is 39% because of financial crisis occurred in Iraq due to lack of security and factual in dollar price. The poverty rate in Kurdistan was 12.5%. The employment rate for individual 15 years and older was 10.8 in 2014.To conduct this research, a social survey carried out by an organization was relied upon, along with the five-year plan developed by the Directorate of Care, and Social Development in Duhok. The main findings of the research indicate the importance of empowering women within the community and focusing on education. The poverty rate increased in rural area compared to urban area because of higher fertility rates and population growth. The poverty increased in urban area is occurred because of migration from rural area and live in slums. To decrease poverty, we need a multi-dimensional and comprehensive approach, as well as community empowerment in collaboration with local and international agencies.