From Afghanistan to Iraq, Anette Schwitzke has always wanted to be part of international missions in the Middle East. As EUAM Iraq’s Gender and Human Right Adviser she believes in contributing to elevating the discussion around increasing the number of women in Iraqi civilian security institutions and strengthening their role. Also, she tries to actively engage women in open and often difficult discussions on sensitive and emotional topics by providing the space and asking the right questions.    

Briefly describe your career and tell us why you applied for a position with EUAM Iraq? 

I have a background in peace and conflict studies and started my career 17 years ago in Afghanistan as a Peacebuilding Adviser. My dream has always been to be part of an international mission supporting peace and security, especially in the Middle East. Now that my son is old enough, I took the first chance and applied for EUAM Iraq.  

Tell us about your daily work?  

As a Gender and Human Rights Adviser in the EUAM Iraq, my work rests on two pillars. Firstly, I facilitate internal gender mainstreaming, meaning I support my colleagues in the Operations Department to include a gender perspective in all their activities. Secondly, I work with Iraqi counterparts of different government institutions, and occasionally also with civil society, to support the implementation of the Iraqi and Kurdish National Action Plans on Women, Peace, and Security.  In practice this means trying to increase the number of women in Iraqi civilian security institutions and strengthening their role or, facilitating training for Gender Focal Points of the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Interior or, supporting the establishment of structures to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace. 

How do you find working with colleagues from different backgrounds? 

I love it. I always enjoyed working in an international environment, with people who bring different experiences and perspectives to the table. I especially appreciate working with our Iraqi colleagues.  

What do you enjoy the most with Iraqi people and culture?  

The kindness and hospitality. I also appreciate the positive spirit and good humour I see in many people despite the hardships they have sometimes experienced.  

What has been the most rewarding or memorable experience for you in the Mission so far? 

I really enjoy the workshops I had the chance to conduct with Iraqi participants, especially women. When people are actively engaging in open and often heated discussions on sensitive and emotional topics, it makes me happy feeling that I contributed to this by providing the space and asking the right questions.  

If you could live anywhere, where would you choose?  

I believe I could make myself comfortable in any place, especially with the right person by my side. However, I feel very drawn to the Mediterranean region, the food, the smells, the light. It is a part of the world where I feel very much at home.  

What is something your colleagues don’t know about you?

I grew up in different African countries, as my father worked in development cooperation. At the age of five I already knew I wanted to be part of the “international community”, even though I did not know that term back then. I have very fond memories of those times and wasn’t too pleased when we returned to Germany. 

What is your usual order at a restaurant?

I have no usual order. I like a lot of cuisines and enjoy trying different dishes, such as quzi or dolma. There is so much to discover, why always go for the same? 

How do you relax? 

Yoga works well for me. I just returned from a one-week retreat to recharge my batteries. It absolutely worked.