Who We Are

Empowering communities, protecting rights, and creating lasting change in the Kurdistan

About SEED

SEED is a women-led, local NGO in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, dedicated to creating a thriving society by advancing social protection and human development. We support individuals, empower communities, and strengthen systems to drive lasting change and equal opportunity. With a focus on collaboration, we promote gender equality, protect children, combat human trafficking, and improve mental health and well-being. SEED’s holistic, locally-driven approach integrates transformational services, community development, training and education, and advocacy to create sustainable impact. SEED is committed to creating a just, equitable society where everyone's rights are protected, with healthy families and strong communities, and a future where everyone can thrive.

SEED's Strategic Plan

PURPOSE

Creating a future where everyone can thrive.

VISION

A prosperous society with equal opportunity and protection of rights for all.

MISSION

Protecting those at risk and advancing rights for all.

INTEGRITY

We are committed to doing the right thing and being accountable for all that we do.

EQUALITY

We believe in respect, fairness, justice, and equal rights and opportunities for all.

IMPACT

We are committed to delivering high quality results and achieving sustainable change.

COLLABORATION

We believe in teamwork and know that by working together, we can achieve more.

Achieve Gender Equality and End Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

SEED works to empower women and girls, uphold their rights, prevent violence against them, protect survivors and support their recovery, and engage men and boys.

Protect Children and Promote Their Development

SEED works to promote children's growth and development by advancing and safeguarding the rights of children, protecting them from violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect, and supporting survivors.

End Human Trafficking and Uphold Survivor Rights

SEED works to prevent and respond to human trafficking, protect and empower survivors and others at risk, uphold their rights, and strengthen systems of response and prevention.

Improve Mental Health and Well-Being

SEED works to strengthen the mental health and psychosocial well-being of individuals and communities, and support the development of institutional and social structures that enable human flourishing.

Deliver Transformational Services

SEED promotes the rights, protection, empowerment, and recovery of survivors of violence and others at risk through comprehensive care including case management, mental health and psychosocial support, legal services, cash assistance, and shelter services.

Empower Communities

SEED supports the development of a healthy, resilient, and cohesive society through community-based initiatives designed to foster social and emotional well-being, prevent violence and discrimination, and promote social and economic empowerment.

Increase Local Capacity

SEED contributes to the development of strong, accountable institutions and resilient systems by strengthening the capacity of those who work to address violence and advance social protections through education, training, mentoring, and professional development.

Strengthen Systems

SEED works to achieve sustainable institutional change and social development through advocacy, technical assistance, and awareness-raising to strengthen rights and protections for all.

Leadership Team

Sherri Kraham Talabany

President and Executive Director

Sherri Kraham Talabany is the President and Executive Director of SEED. A human rights lawyer with over 25 years of experience in foreign policy development, strategic leadership, advocacy, and managing international programs, she has worked extensively in conflict and post-conflict settings, as well as in humanitarian response, peacekeeping, and development. She previously served in the U.S. Government (1998–2012), shaping foreign policy and assistance programs worldwide, including in Iraq. Sherri has also served on the boards of nonprofits, policy centers, and a university, contributing to global development and human rights initiatives.

Tanya Gilly Khailany

Vice President and Co-Founder

Tanya is the Vice President and Co Founder of SEED. A dedicated civil and human rights advocate, she has over 20 years of experience in humanitarian work, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and championing women’s rights. From 2006 to 2010, Tanya served as a member of Iraq’s first democratically elected Council of Representatives, representing Kirkuk. On the Foreign Relations Committee, she strengthened diplomatic relations, led initiatives for gender equality, and promoted press freedoms. She also oversaw ambassadorial appointments and contributed to legislation supporting the participation of women and marginalized groups in governance.