UOD, September 16, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) – The Studies at the University of Duhok (UOD) organized an important academic session bringing together UOD researchers, department heads, and college deans to explore ways of advancing the Center’s mission and reinforcing its role in research, education, and social impact.

Presenting the Center’s Mission and Vision

The session was chaired by Dr. Dileen Sardar Zuhdi, Head of the Gender Equality Studies Center, who outlined the Center’s vision and strategic direction. She highlighted the Center as “a scientific hub specializing in research on gender issues, consultations, and training, with a focus on building sustainable national development.”

Dr. Zuhdi also emphasized the Center’s mission of investing in distinguished research work while providing a dynamic environment for academics and students, in line with the University of Duhok’s overarching mission.

Active Academic Engagement

The session featured lively discussions among UOD researchers and faculty members, where participants shared their insights and experiences related to gender studies, equality, and community resilience. Attendees provided valuable suggestions on how the Center could expand its activities, strengthen interdisciplinary research, and foster collaboration across UOD colleges.

Dr. Zuhdi proposed integrating student research projects from different colleges into the Center’s activities, ensuring that the next generation of scholars is actively engaged in gender-sensitive academic work.

Strategic Goals of the Center

The Gender Equality Studies Center at UOD aims to:

• Spread a culture of non-violence, community peace, equality, and social justice through activities aligned with sustainable development programs and the national strategy for the empowerment of Kurdish women.
  
  
• Prepare specialized staff in gender studies to work across sectors such as education, health, economics, environment, governance, and technology.
  
  
• Empower both male and female students in higher education to understand human rights, social justice, and their roles in promoting equality in society.
  
  
• Conduct monitoring and evaluation of inhumane actions and discriminatory policies, with the aim of reforming them based on objective and scientific approaches.
  
  

Alignment with UOD’s Strategic Plan

This initiative reflects the University of Duhok’s commitment to advancing research excellence, promoting human rights and social justice, and contributing to the sustainable development of Kurdistan and Iraq. By linking academic research with real-world challenges, the Center reinforces UOD’s role as a leading institution in fostering peacebuilding, gender equality, and inclusive education.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office, September 16, 2025
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography by: Ali Habib Habib

The News Keywords:

• University of Duhok Gender Studies
  
  
• Gender Equality Studies Center UOD
  
  
• Gender Equality and Social Justice Kurdistan
  
  
• Academic Research on Non-Violence UOD
  
  
• Sustainable Development and Higher Education