UoD, October 10, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) — The University of Duhok (UoD) and the Kurdistan Diaspora Women’s Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in supporting Kurdish women, promoting gender equality, and expanding opportunities for academic and community engagement.

The agreement was signed on October 10, 2026, during a visit by a delegation from the Federation, led by Ms. Shirin Zaki Jundi, President of the Federation, accompanied by Ms. Bahra Ham Rash, Head of the Federation’s Erbil Office. The delegation was received by Dr. Nazar Ameen Mohammed, Director of International Relations, and Dr. Dileen Sardar Zuhdi, Director of the Center for Gender Equality Studies, at the University of Duhok.

Established in Finland in 2023, the Kurdistan Diaspora Women’s Federation works to represent and unite Kurdish women in the diaspora and strengthen connections among Kurdish women across different communities. The Federation seeks to amplify women’s voices and support their participation in social, cultural, and community life.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the University and the Federation in areas related to women’s empowerment, gender equality, cultural engagement, academic exchange, and capacity development. It provides a foundation for both institutions to explore joint initiatives, exchange expertise, and strengthen communication between academic institutions and Kurdish communities in the diaspora.

During the meeting, Dr. Nazar Amin Mohammed welcomed the agreement, noting that the University of Duhok is the first university to formalize cooperation with the Federation. Dr. Dileen Sardar Zuhdi highlighted the role of the Center for Gender Studies in raising awareness and advancing understanding of gender-related issues. Ms. Bahra Ham Rash also emphasized the importance of cooperation with universities in reaching academic communities and strengthening engagement with Kurdish women.

As an initial step towards implementing the agreement, both sides discussed organizing a conference in London focusing on Kurdish women’s issues, with the possibility of participation by other universities in the Kurdistan Region.

This partnership reflects the University of Duhok’s commitment to gender equality, community engagement, international cooperation, and inclusive development. By building bridges between academia and diaspora organizations, UoD continues to support knowledge exchange and collaborative initiatives that contribute to women’s empowerment and wider social development.

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University Press Office, October 10, 2026

Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography: Mohammed A. Tahar

Suggested meta keywords

• University of Duhok
• Kurdistan Diaspora Women’s Federation
• Women’s Empowerment
• Gender Equality
• Academic and International Cooperation