Al-Ayen Iraqi University is committed to sustainable development, particularly through the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university integrates these goals into its mission, with special emphasis on SDG 5 (Gender Equality) among other priorities. Al-Ayen Iraqi University has initiated various programs and activities to promote gender equality, focusing on increasing the representation and participation of women across academia and university governance. This is achieved through an administrative unit called the Women’s Empowerment Unit, which is dedicated to empowering women and enabling them to make strategic decisions and take control of their lives in order to elevate their status and ensure they play a leading role in society.
The tasks of this unit include
1. Building sustainable achievements for female employees at the university and expanding the developmental and leadership participation of both female staff and students.
2. Preparing and organizing workshops, programs, and training courses related to women and their empowerment in various fields of life . These activities include:
1. The Colleges of Pharmacy and Engineering Technology at Al-Ayen Iraqi University signed an administrative twinning agreement to enhance academic and administrative collaboration. The partnership covers key areas such as quality assurance, sustainable development, continuous education, women’s affairs, and community service. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering cooperation, innovation, and inclusive academic progress.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3373
2. Professor Dr. Shafiq Shaker Shafiq Al-Mawla, president of Al-Ayen Iraqi University, participated in the first Women's Development and Creativity Festival, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The event was attended by the undersecretary of the ministry, several presidents of public and private universities, and prominent academic and cultural figures. Al-Ayen University's participation in this event reflects its commitment to empowering women, supporting creativity and women's development, and encouraging its students and staff to achieve accomplishments that contribute to serving and developing society. The festival included an awards ceremony honoring winning universities, including Al-Ayen Iraqi University, represented by its president, for the university's significant community services that contribute to women's development and empowerment in society. This initiative advances SDG 5 (Gender Equality), Climate Action (SDG 13), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering innovation, research excellence, and sustainable educational development.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3330
3. Al-Ayen Iraqi University organized an awareness lecture on breast cancer as part of the Early Detection Week activities. The event, held by the Continuing Education Center in cooperation with the Dhi Qar Health Directorate and the Women’s Affairs Division, featured medical experts including Dr. Ibtidaa Mohsen Obeid, Dr. Enas Razzaq Kazem, and environmental toxicologist Dr. Mozhgan Asfahani. The lecture emphasized the importance of early detection, preventive measures, and recognizing warning signs to increase recovery chances. This initiative supports both SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by empowering women through health education, promoting equal access to healthcare, and encouraging community awareness on women’s health issues.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2885
4. The College of Engineering, in cooperation with the Women's Empowerment Unit, held a seminar entitled "Negative Phenomena Facing Women and How to Enhance Their Confrontation within the Framework of the Law." The seminar was attended by the Dean of the College of Engineering, Professor Dr. Firas Faiq Kadhim, the Assistant Dean for Scientific and Administrative Affairs, and a number of faculty members and students interested in women's issues.
The lecture was presented by First Lieutenant Mawda Hassan Abdul Ghani, Commander of the Women's Unit in the Dhi Qar Police Command (Iraqi Ministry of Interior). She addressed the most significant challenges facing women, such as domestic violence, discrimination, and cyber extortion, highlighting the importance of promoting legal awareness and the role of legislation in protecting women's rights.
The seminar witnessed significant interaction from the attendees, who shared their opinions and questions, contributing to a discussion of practical solutions to support and empower women in confronting these negative phenomena. It supports Gender Equality (SDG 5) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting social solidarity, inclusion, and care for vulnerable groups.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3655
5. As part of its ongoing awareness-raising activities, the Women's Affairs Unit at the College of Engineering held a workshop entitled “Gender Justice and Its Impact on Family Solidarity,” presented by leading legal expert Ahmed Majid Kamel.
The workshop addressed the concepts of gender justice from a legal and social perspective, highlighting the impact of balanced roles and responsibilities within the family on strengthening solidarity and social cohesion. The workshop witnessed significant interaction from attendees, including faculty and students, who discussed the issues and challenges facing Iraqi families in this context. This event is part of the college's continuous efforts to promote community awareness and instill the values of equality and justice within the academic community. It supports Gender Equality (SDG 5) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting social solidarity, inclusion, and care for vulnerable groups.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3960
6. The Women's Affairs Unit at Al Ayen Iraqi University held a workshop entitled "UN Resolution 1325 and How to Achieve Its Objectives," presented by Captain Afyaa Haider Yousef, representing the Family and Child Protection Directorate of the Dhi Qar Police Command. The workshop took place in the college's conference hall. The workshop addressed several key topics, most notably an introduction to UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the first official document to recognize the impact of wars and conflicts on women and to call for women's participation in decision-making in the areas of peace and security.
Captain Afyaa also discussed the reality of women in Iraqi society and the importance of strengthening their role in security and community institutions, presenting real-world examples and local plans aimed at achieving the objectives outlined in the resolution. It supports Gender Equality (SDG 5) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting social solidarity, inclusion, and care for vulnerable groups.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/4069
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Al-Ayen Iraqi University is committed to sustainable development, particularly through the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university integrates these goals into its mission, with special emphasis on SDG 5 (Gender Equality) among other priorities. Al-Ayen Iraqi University has initiated various programs and activities to promote gender equality, focusing on increasing the representation and participation of women across academia and university governance.
The university has several initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality. Some key efforts include the Women's Empowerment Unit, which collaborates on workshops and seminars to foster gender equality, and numerous activities that encourage female academic achievements.
Initiative | Link |
Women's Empowerment Unit workshops and seminars: Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development: A Guide to Education and Practical Applications | |
AUIQ supporting women in STEM fields | |
Gender-focused research publications and faculty projects | |
Recognition of Student Ayat Ahmed’s Academic and Creative Achievements in Literature | |
Al-Ayen University hosted the first day of the Second Annual Shubad Women’s Festival | |
Al-Ayen University's Student Activities Department participated in the Iraqi Universities Table Tennis Championship for students, faculty, and staff |
References and links to relevant reports, publications, and university web pages that further elaborate on Al-Ayen’s efforts and achievements related to SDG 5.
