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Journalism For Human Rights

The work of Aide Humanitaire et Journalisme with Yazidi women began in 2015 with the Photo-Journalism to Empower Yazidi Girls project, launched by Shayda Hessami in collaboration with UNICEF in Kurdistan, Iraq.

This first initiative sought to provide young Yazidi with psychosocial support and new perspectives for the future. Through the medium of photography, the girls were able to express their traumatic experiences, regain confidence, and begin transforming their identities from “victims” into “voices.”

Building on this foundation, AHJ expanded its methodology with the Journalism for Human Rights project in 2018, presented in Italy and internationally.

This second step went further by introducing Yazidi women to the principles, techniques, and ethics of professional journalism. With this project, participants not only documented their own stories but also learned to engage actively in the cultural and social rebuilding of post-conflict Iraq.

Together, Zina and Barfi embody the mission of AHJ:

to amplify marginalised voices through media and support women as agents of change in post-conflict societies.

Zina Hamu

Young Yazidi journalist and AHJ ambassador

A survivor of ISIS, Zina Hamu found in photography and journalism a way to reclaim her story and advocate for the rights of Yazidi women. After the Photography Techniques to Empower Yazidi Girls’ training, Zina went on to study journalism in Lithuania and Canada with the support of international scholarships.

In 2018, she was invited to speak at the International Journalism Festival in Italy, where she addressed the role of women in conflict zones. That same year, she was selected for the U.S. Exchange Programme and received the prestigious Emerging Young Leaders Award from the U.S. State Department.

Today, Zina is a committed advocate for women’s rights and an ambassador for AHJ, using her voice to promote freedom of expression and the power of storytelling.

Barfi Bishar

Young Yazidi photojournalist and trainer

Also trained through an AHJ programme, Barfi Bishar has developed her skills as a photojournalist to document the lives of displaced Yazidi communities. Her powerful visual storytelling challenges invisibility and offers a dignified portrayal of life in the camps.

Determined to empower others, Barfi became a trainer herself.

As part of the Tasalah project, supported by CFI – the French media development agency, she now leads photojournalism workshops for young women in displacement camps, helping to build a new generation of storytellers committed to democracy and civic engagement.

In 2018, Barfi was invited to the Assises Internationales du Journalisme in Tunis, where she shared her journey and called for greater inclusion of women’s voices in media.

The Journalism for Human Rights project gave rise to powerful personal stories that resonated nationally and internationally.

Among the ten participants, four continued into professional paths in media, photography, or advocacy.

The methodology developed by AHJ demonstrated concrete results: participants became journalism students, investigative reporters, and trainers themselves.

By producing and disseminating media content about the role of women in society, the projects helped improve understanding of women’s concerns among local populations while contributing to long-term gender equality and civic engagement.

Photo-Journalism to Empower Yazidi Girls - 2015

This project aimed to support the psychological recovery and resilience of young Yazidi women. It provided a creative outlet through photography, helping them process trauma and rebuild self-confidence. Additionally, it introduced media and storytelling tools as a foundation for long-term empowerment.

Journalism for Human Rights – 2018

Building on the first experience, this initiative offered more advanced, professional-level journalism training. It equipped young women with both the technical and ethical knowledge necessary for responsible journalism. Participants were empowered to document their own stories and bring attention to the issues affecting their communities. The program also strengthened their capacity to promote women’s rights, equality, and democratic participation in Iraq and beyond

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