In a step reflecting Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University’s commitment to empowering female students and staff and fostering a culture of democratic participation, the Women’s Affairs Division, under the supervision of the Administrative Assistant Dr. Mohammed Al-Majtoumi and in collaboration with Al-Najaf Technical Institute, organized the closing ceremony of the “Future Voters” program.
The ceremony was attended by deans of colleges and institutes, a delegation from the National Women’s Team affiliated with the Prime Minister’s Office headed by Ms. Namarq Jawad, Ms. Alaa Hussein, Director of the Women’s Affairs Department in Najaf Governorate, representatives from the Independent High Electoral Commission, the Bousla Organization, and numerous students and university staff.
The event, presented by Dr. Sabrin Al-Sheikh, a TV program host on Iraqi Media Network, began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Maeen Al-Rubaie, followed by Al-Fatiha in remembrance of Iraq’s martyrs, and the national anthem, creating an atmosphere of pride and national belonging.
In his speech, the University President, Prof. Dr. Hassan Latif Al-Zubaidi, emphasized that the “Future Voters” initiative represents the university’s vision of preparing a generation of female students aware of their constitutional rights and actively participating in state-building. He praised the efforts of the Women’s Affairs Division in translating awareness into practical action and field training.
Ms. Ikhlas Razaq Nahham, Assistant Lecturer and Head of Women’s Affairs, presented a documentary overview of the program’s activities, which included training workshops and lectures on electoral participation and women’s empowerment in public life.
The program concluded with a parliamentary simulation play titled “Her Voice is the Nation”, where students from Al-Najaf Technical Institute symbolically debated a draft law to enhance women’s participation in decision-making positions, reflecting real parliamentary proceedings.
One of the participating students expressed her pride, saying:
“Through this simulation, we learned that a voice is not measured by its volume, but by its awareness, and that participation in public affairs is the responsibility of every conscious citizen.”
The performance received enthusiastic engagement from attendees, conveying motivational messages and highlighting the pivotal role of university women’s awareness in building a just and balanced society.
The ceremony concluded with the honoring of participants and partner organizations, marking the completion of a conscious training phase and opening new horizons for active women’s participation in Iraq’s democratic future.
Prepared by: Nihad Al-Rubaie
Director of the Media and Government Communication Department, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University
