The Equality Fund honours the life of feminist Yanar Mohammed, condemns her targeted killing

The Equality Fund is mourning the untimely death of Iraqi Canadian feminist leader, Yanar Mohammed. Our staff were deeply shocked and saddened to hear that on the morning of March 2, 2026, she was killed in a targeted attack in front of her home in Baghdad, Iraq. We stand with the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), which Yanar co-founded, as well as human rights organizations around the world, in our condemnation of her assassination. We, like others, consider her death to be a direct attack on women’s rights, freedoms and feminist movements at large.

To the world, Yanar Mohammed was one of the most courageous human rights defenders of our time. To us, at the Equality Fund, she was a friend and ally whose work was grounded in unflinching moral and political clarity. She worked on the frontlines, creating an infrastructure of safe houses for hundreds of women fleeing violence, oppression and exploitation. She did this work despite threats to her personal safety from the very start. Her bravery and commitment were unparalleled.

Behind closed doors, she had a unique gift to speak to world leaders, sharing her deep knowledge of the specific struggles of women whose lives could be improved by policy change and good governance. Her moral clarity didn’t just challenge the status quo – it compelled those in power to rise higher.

We saw, through working alongside her, what it meant to bring joy to the challenging work of human rights activism. She laughed with us, opened doors for us and wanted to enjoy life as much as she fiercely pushed to improve the lives of others. One of her most enduring legacies will be her commitment to nurturing leaders and activists across Iraq who will continue the work she built, in solidarity with all those who believe in freedom and safety for women and girls.

As we grieve, we honour Yanar Mohammed’s extraordinary life’s work – steadfast in her pursuit of justice and unwavering in her courage.

We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends in Canada, Iraq and the world over.