The Women’s Empowerment Unit at Al-Zahraa University for Women, in cooperation with the University of Karbala, organised an online awareness seminar on the exploitation of women in drug trafficking. The said seminar was attended by members of the Women’s Empowerment Unit committees and a slew of academic staff from both Universities.

Additionally, the seminar was held in response to the growing phenomenon of exploiting women in the trafficking of narcotic substances and aimed to identify effective preventive measures to curb its spread. During the seminar, Prof. Dr. Nadia Jawdat Hassan, Director of the Psychological Guidance and Educational Counselling Division at the Presidency of the University of Kufa and the seminar’s presenter, affirmed the seriousness of this phenomenon and its increasing prevalence across the country, warning of its potential threat to all segments of society.

She further explained that the Iraqi Ministry of Interior has uncovered numerous cases involving the exploitation of women in drug trafficking, with security forces successfully apprehending several offenders who were subsequently referred to the judiciary.

Furthermore, she noted that among the main factors contributing to the involvement and exploitation of women in drug trafficking are economic hardship and the perception that women are less likely to arouse suspicion when committing such offences.

The seminar also addressed the social impact of drug abuse, particularly its role in undermining moral values and weakening the ethical foundations of society. In addition, the health consequences suffered by women as a result of drug use were discussed.

In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Hassan outlined several preventive measures to protect individuals from falling victim to this dangerous scourge, including religious, media, and social awareness initiatives. Besides, she emphasised the importance of organising awareness seminars in schools and Universities and highlighting the legal penalties imposed on those involved in such crimes.

Translated by Zahra’ Ala’