As part of efforts to strengthen partnerships between academic institutions and legislative authorities, a delegation from the Women’s Studies Center, headed by Professor Dr. Athraa Ismail Zidan, Director of the Center, conducted an official visit to the Iraqi Parliament. The delegation met with Member of Parliament Ms. Donia Al-Shammari, Chair of the Committee on Women, Family, and Childhood Affairs, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
During the meeting, both parties discussed avenues of cooperation and addressed key social challenges currently facing Iraqi women. Dr. Zidan presented a detailed overview of the Center’s administrative structure, its departments and research units, in addition to highlighting major academic activities and publications carried out as part of its strategic plans in recent years.
MP Donia Al-Shammari commended the Center’s efforts and its pioneering role in supporting and empowering women, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts to develop legislative initiatives that contribute to the protection and cohesion of the Iraqi family. The meeting resulted in a preliminary agreement to draft a Family Law bill, as well as a project to establish a College of Family Studies dedicated to preparing young people for marriage.
This initiative aligns with the goals of sustainable development, particularly Goal 5, which focuses on achieving and supporting national policies aimed at promoting social justice.
The meeting concluded with several key recommendations:
1. Strengthening partnerships between research centers and parliamentary committees to support women-related policies.
2. Adopting a joint approach to draft a Family Law based on scientific research and societal realities.
3. Organizing joint events that bring together researchers and policymakers to unify visions on family-related issues
