Empowering Iraqi Women: Addressing Legal and Social Challenges

The Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics Engineering at Al-Nahrain University held an important scientific seminar titled “Empowering and Protecting Women: Awareness of Violence Risks” on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The event aimed to deepen understanding of the social and legal challenges faced by women, particularly the risks and consequences of violence, while highlighting pathways to strengthen empowerment, protection, and awareness within the community.

A Collaborative Academic Effort

The seminar was delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Dunya Abdul-Sahib Hashem and Eng. Inas Abdul-Amir Abboud, who presented their insights at 10:30 AM in the department’s Graduate Studies Hall.
This session was organized in collaboration with the College’s Women Affairs Unit and the University Psychological Counseling Unit, reflecting a strong institutional commitment to addressing women’s issues through interdisciplinary expertise.

Their joint presentation brought together perspectives from legal frameworks, social sciences, psychological support systems, and engineering education—demonstrating that empowering women requires a multifaceted and coordinated approach.

Key Themes and Educational Focus

The seminar explored several essential topics central to women’s safety and empowerment, including:

• Understanding various forms of violence and associated risks

• Legal protections and rights available to women in Iraq

• Psychological impacts of violence and the importance of supportive counseling

• Strategies to enhance women’s participation, resilience, and self-advocacy

• The role of academic institutions in fostering a safe and inclusive environment

The speakers emphasized that awareness is the first step toward protection, and that educational spaces must play an active role in promoting knowledge, prevention, and empowerment.

Advancing a Culture of Protection and Inclusion

By hosting this seminar within the Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics Engineering, the college highlighted its belief that women’s empowerment is vital across all disciplines—including engineering, rehabilitation sciences, and clinical technologies.
Such events strengthen the university’s broader mission to cultivate informed, confident, and socially responsible graduates who contribute to building safer and more equitable communities.

A Commitment to Continued Action

The seminar serves as a catalyst for further initiatives, including:

• Expanding gender-based awareness programs

• Strengthening psychological support channels for students

• Encouraging reporting mechanisms and legal literacy

• Promoting women’s leadership and participation within academic and clinical fields

Through these efforts, Al-Nahrain University continues to reinforce its role as a proactive institution dedicated to protecting women, advocating for their rights, and empowering them to achieve their full potential.