The Biotechnology Research Center at Al-Nahrain University, in collaboration with the Al-Zaafraniyah Women’s Forum and Community Police, organized a unique humanitarian seminar, the first of its kind at the center. Under the patronage of the University of Al-Nahrain’s President, Professor Dr. Ali Abdul-Aziz Al-Shawi, and the Director-General of the center, Professor Dr. Mohammed Mahmoud Farhan, the seminar focused on the role of community police and women’s forums in combating violence against women. This coincided with the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
The seminar, led by the session coordinator, Lecturer Dhaa Maysar, was inaugurated by the center’s Director-General and chaired by Professor Dr. Hazem Ismaeil Abdul-Bari, Head of the Environmental Biotechnology Department. Assistant Lecturer Sarah Saib was the session moderator.
Speakers sequentially presented lectures on violence against women and domestic violence. Assistant Lecturer Nawar Rashdi addressed the history of combating violence against women, while Assistant Lecturer Sura Saad Talib discussed women’s empowerment and their role in society within the center.
Other presentations included a lecture by Legal Advisor Ahmed Ashour on the role of community police in countering violence against women and a lecture by First Lieutenant Raween Abdul Hadi covering the various types of violence and the legal aspects associated with violence. International trainer Leila Shahid, responsible for training in the National Program for Peaceful Coexistence, and a member of the Free Arab Women’s Association, along with Jnan Salioa Yochana, presented their insights on the reality of combating violence against women. Lawyer Areej Hasan Qahtan concluded the seminar with a presentation on laws protecting women, from outside the center. The seminar concluded with the dissemination of recommendations derived from the lectures, the distribution of participation certificates to the speakers, and a group photo of the attendees.
