UOD, November 28, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) —
The University of Duhok (UOD) actively participated in the official launch of the 2025 Global Campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, held under the supervision of His Excellency Dr. Ali Tatar, Governor of Duhok. The event brought together senior governmental officials, security institutions, political representatives, civil society organizations, and academia to advocate for stronger collective action against all forms of violence targeting women and girls—particularly the growing threat of digital violence.

The ceremony was organized under the theme: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting vulnerable groups in an increasingly digital world. The initiative was jointly coordinated by the Directorate for Combating Violence Against Women and Families, the University of Duhok, and the GBV Working Group, marking the beginning of a 16-day awareness-raising campaign across the Kurdistan Region.

High-Level Participation and Institutional Commitment

The event witnessed the attendance of key officials, including:

• Dr. Luqman Hadi Hassan, Vice President of UOD for Scientific and Higher Studies Affairs
  
  
• Majid Saeed Saleh, Deputy Governor of Duhok
  
  
• Brindar Haidar, District Governor of Duhok
  
  
• Dr. Viyan Sleman, Assistant Head of the KDP Office in Duhok
  
  
• Colonel Walat Sadiq, Director of the Directorate for Combating Violence Against Women
  
  

Their participation affirmed multi-institutional cooperation aimed at strengthening legal, social, and digital protections for women.

In his opening remarks, Colonel Walat Sadiq underscored the urgency of unified and sustained coordination between government bodies, universities, and civil society to safeguard families and communities. He highlighted the growing danger of digital violence, noting that online harassment, blackmail, exploitation, and privacy violations now represent some of the most pressing threats faced by women and girls.

Following him, Majid Saeed Saleh delivered remarks emphasizing the Duhok Governorate’s full support for initiatives that combat violence and encourage public awareness. He called for stronger legislation, more extensive prevention programs, and collaborative policies across all institutions.

UOD’s Role in Advancing Social Awareness and Research-Based Solutions

Speaking on behalf of the University of Duhok, Dr. Dilvin Miqdad Ahmed highlighted the pivotal role of academic institutions in driving social transformation. She reaffirmed UOD’s commitment to:

• advancing research on digital safety and gender issues,
  
  
• integrating gender-based violence awareness into academic learning and community outreach,
  
  
• empowering students and researchers to contribute to policy and public debate.
  
  

Her remarks aligned closely with UOD’s Strategic Plan (2023–2038), specifically its pillars on community engagement, capacity-building, social protection, and strengthening institutional partnerships.

GBV Working Group: Strengthening Services and Protection Mechanisms

A presentation by Ms. Faiza Abdulwahid from the GBV Working Group highlighted the importance of collaboration among NGOs, government institutions, and academic centers to ensure access to protection services, psychosocial support, and legal assistance for survivors of gender-based violence.

Academic Insight into Global and Digital Violence Trends

Academic expert Dr. Ismail Ababakir Ali delivered a detailed presentation analyzing global statistics related to violence against women, with special focus on digital threats such as cyber harassment, online exploitation, and misinformation targeting women. He outlined legal frameworks and proposed cross-sector strategies to address these challenges through education, policy, and community programs.

Empowering Women Through Creativity: Exhibition of Handmade Works

The campaign concluded with the opening of an exhibition showcasing handmade products created by displaced, refugee, and host-community women in Duhok. The exhibition celebrated the resilience and creativity of women who have overcome adversity and highlighted UOD’s ongoing efforts to support economic empowerment initiatives.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office, November 28, 2025
Reported by: Rondik Fadhil Adil
Photography by: Mohammed A. Tahir

The News Keywords

• Gender-Based Violence Awareness Kurdistan
  
  
• Digital Violence Prevention Iraq
  
  
• University of Duhok Community Engagement
  
  
• Women Empowerment Initiatives Duhok
  
  
• 16 Days of Activism Campaign 2025