Ms. Israa Sultan Ahmed,

Head of the Women’s Affairs Unit

Introductory Note

Vision

Women’s Affairs aspires to be a key driver in achieving sustainable development within a nation that guarantees all their constitutional rights, empowers them to face challenges, and strengthens their role in all fields. It also seeks to ensure full protection and provide women—without discrimination—with economic, social, and political opportunities that enable them to enhance their capabilities and contribute to elevating the nation’s status.

Mission

To equip women with knowledge and skills, and to foster their growth and development so that they become competent and influential community leaders who actively participate in decision-making and contribute strategically to shaping and implementing national policies, thereby meeting the country’s current and future needs.

Objectives

• Increasing the proportion of women leaders in the Ministry of Higher Education by highlighting female competencies and achievements.

• Developing women’s scientific capacities in higher education through supporting and facilitating their participation in local and international conferences.

• Strengthening women’s participation in economic development by supporting entrepreneurial projects and technological incubators.

• Securing support from the international community and local/global organizations to contribute to the implementation of United Nations resolutions related to women.

• Raising community awareness about women’s status and rights, and combating violence through training programs and collaborative research with specialized centers.

• Improving women’s representation in all forms of media—visual, audio, and print.

• Honoring outstanding and creative Iraqi women in their respective fields through awards or producing documentary films about their achievements.

• Supporting young female researchers who produce distinguished studies early in their PhD stage, based on evaluations by specialized committees tasked with selecting and promoting outstanding work.

• Integrating the concept of gender mainstreaming into the Ministry’s plans and programs.