As part of the celebrations for Iraqi Women’s Day—held under the patronage of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, and supervised by Prof. Dr. Hassan Latif Al-Zubaidi, President of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, in coordination with the Women’s Affairs Department at the Ministry—the university hosted a special forum under the theme: “Iraqi Innovation: Challenges and Triumphs.” The event was organized by the Women’s Affairs Division at the University Presidency.
The occasion witnessed wide participation, including the Turkish Consul General, Mr. Cafer Olcay Karakaş, alongside several presidents of public and private universities, vice presidents, deans of affiliated colleges, the Executive Director of the Tawasul Organization, the Director of the Najaf Chamber of Industry, representatives of private sector companies, faculty members, staff, graduates, and students.
During the forum, a discussion panel was held and moderated by Ms. Ikhlas Razzaq Naham, Head of the Women’s Affairs Division. The session focused on the role of women in sustainable development, innovation, and their national responsibility in advancing participation in the private sector. Several distinguished speakers were recognized for their contributions to the dialogue, including:
• Dr. Nada Al-Abidi – Director of the Women’s Affairs Department at the Ministry of Higher Education
• Ms. Huda Qasim Khazaal – Head of the Graduate Support Division, General Directorate of Industrial Development
• Ms. Rafal Zuhair Najm – Director of Equality and Social Inclusion, World University Service of Canada (Tawasul Project)
• Eng. Hussein Jawad – Head of the Trainees Division, Directorate of Labor and Vocational Training, Najaf
• Mr. Taha Zaid Ahmed – Director of Aswar Academy, MSc in Computer Engineering and Artificial Intelligence
In addition, several individuals were recognized for their outstanding entrepreneurial success stories, including:
• University of Mosul – Raghad Raed Shakir
• University of Kufa – Noha Mohammed Nouri Al-Mousawi, MSc in Computer Science, Web Developer, Founder of Green Code Company, Co-Founder of Google Developers Team, and Technology Makers Ambassador in Najaf
• University of Maysan – Marcel Mohammed Noaman and Zahraa Ammar Kadhim
• Al-Hilla University College – Student Bara’a Qasim Hamza
This celebration highlighted the significant contributions of Iraqi women in innovation and leadership, showcasing a diverse range of success stories that reflect resilience, talent, and forward-thinking within both academic and entrepreneurial spheres.
