The Metro project coincided with the elections held in July 2009 in the Kurdistan region, spanning three governorates of northern Iraq – Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah.

In a video produced by the team, the trainees discuss the important role of Iraqi women in media, the coverage of the elections and their responsibilities in the production.

Najeeba Mohammed, an IWPR trainee reporter, highlights the importance of responsible media in Iraq. "Impartiality is fundamental to and obvious in our work. This is at the heart of the ethics of journalism," she says.

The Metro newspaper was a full-colour publication produced over three weeks during the elections period. Two editions were delivered each day to cater for both dialects of Kurdish, Sorani and Kirmanji. The publication was read throughout northern Iraq, with 25,000 copies distributed for free through kiosks and other media outlets.

Over 100 IWPR trainees participated in the elections coverage, which included news reports, features, photojournalism and comments.

In addition to the print coverage for the elections, IWPR trainees produced 20 radio shows which included election news reports, features and a platform which enabled listeners to call into the radio stations to debate and discuss elections issues.

IWPR combines basic classroom journalism training followed by rigorous “learning-by-doing” activities and print, radio and video/TV production with intensive mentoring from experienced Iraqi and international editor/trainers.