Baghdad: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced the adoption of January 12th of each year as the National Day of Iraqi University Women.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Dr. Nada Al-Abadi, Director of the Women’s Affairs Department at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, stated that this achievement came after a series of meetings with the heads of women’s affairs departments from various ministries. They recommended adopting January 12th as a recognition of the pioneering role of women in higher education and scientific research institutions.

She further noted that the National Directorate for Iraqi Women at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers was keen to adopt the recommendations, approve the proposal, and contribute to highlighting women’s contributions in national sectors, especially in academia and science.

Dr. Yusra Al-Alaq, Director General of the National Directorate for Iraqi Women, expressed her support for the designation of a National Day for Iraqi University Women. She emphasized that it would serve as an annual opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Iraqi female academics and researchers, their contributions to building scientific institutions, producing knowledge, and serving society. This, in turn, strengthens women’s presence and role in the national development process.

The adoption of this date commemorates a pivotal moment in Iraq’s higher education history. On January 12, 1970, Dr. Suad Khalil Ismail al-Bustani became the first woman to hold the position of Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Iraq, during a time of significant institutional transformation, including the renaming of the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.