UOD, December 5, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO)
As part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign to eliminate violence against women, the University of Duhok (UOD), through the Gender Equality Studies Center, organized an academic forum titled “From Violence to Peace through Empowerment”. The event, held under the supervision of Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, reflects UOD’s commitment to strengthening societal resilience, promoting gender equality, and contributing to sustainable peace in the Kurdistan Region.

The forum was organized in cooperation with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and brought together a distinguished group of governmental authorities, international partners, and academic experts. Among the key attendees were:

• Dr. Vian Sulaiman, Deputy Head of the PDK Organizing Office
  
  
• Mr. Majid Sayed Salih, Deputy Governor of Duhok
  
  
• Mr. Brindar Ahmed, Mayor of Duhok
  
  
• Representatives of international organizations, diplomatic missions, and faculty members from various UOD colleges
  
  

Opening Remarks and Strategic Framing

The event began with a welcome speech by Dr. Dileen Sardar Zuhdi, Director of the Gender Equality Studies Center, who highlighted the center’s expanding role in research, advocacy, and community outreach.
This was followed by a keynote address from Dr. Vian Sulaiman, who discussed the critical role of women in peacebuilding, the status of gender equality in the Kurdistan Region, and the persistent challenges women face due to structural and cultural forms of violence.

A speech by Mr. Collins Onyango, Regional Representative of the LWF, emphasized the importance of international partnerships in strengthening national frameworks for protection, resilience, and women's empowerment. His remarks underscored the strong collaboration between UOD and LWF in promoting social cohesion.

Panel 1: Legal and Realistic Dimensions of Violence – Pathways to Sustainable Peace

Moderated by Dr. Samya Saeed Kahlid, the first panel presented expert analyses on institutional and legal mechanisms addressing violence:

• Dr. Hinar Marouf, Head of the Political Office at the British Consulate, examined effective approaches for combating violence through community engagement, early intervention, and the consulate’s initiatives supporting women in the Kurdistan Region.
  
  
• Dr. Kirmanj Othman, Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Justice, highlighted the judiciary's pivotal role in establishing a protective environment and safeguarding women's rights.
  
  

A short documentary showcasing a woman’s journey from violence to empowerment added a powerful human dimension to the discussions.

Panel 2: Strategic Frameworks for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality

The second panel, moderated by Asst. Prof. Ziravan Ameen Abdullah, addressed policy mechanisms and empowerment strategies:

• Lt. Col. Lana Luqman, Head of the Office for Combating Violence Against Women in Khabat District, emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in security and decision-making sectors.
  
  
• Ms. Sharmin Wali, Sociologist at Salahaddin University-Erbil, presented insights into the KRG’s mechanisms for advancing gender equality.
  
  
• Ms. Buhar Ali, Director of the Emma Organization, explored the societal impact of gender equality policies and their role in community development.
  
  

The forum concluded with an interactive discussion between panelists and participants, opening avenues for deeper collaboration, research initiatives, and community-based programs.

UOD’s Commitment to Gender Equality and Community Engagement

This forum is part of UOD’s broader strategic vision to strengthen academic engagement, empower vulnerable groups, and support national and regional initiatives aimed at eradicating violence. The University continues to expand its role as a hub for research, dialogue, and partnership-building that supports peacebuilding, human rights, and sustainable development in the Kurdistan Region.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office, December 5, 2025
Reported by: Rondik Fadhil Adil
Photography by: Mohammed A. Tahar

The News Keywords

• University of Duhok Gender Equality
  
  
• 16 Days of Activism Kurdistan
  
  
• Violence Against Women in Iraq
  
  
• Peacebuilding and Women’s Empowerment UOD
  
  
• Gender Studies and Academic Forums UOD