Continuing its activities, Al-Zahraa University for Women, under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Imam Hussein Holy Shrine and as a follow-up of the Women’s Empowerment Unit at the University, convened its second scientific seminar entitled “Necessary Measures to Reduce Violence.” The said event took place at the Grand Conference Hall of the University.

The seminar opened with a keynote speech delivered by Al-Haj Hassan Rashid Al-Obaiji, Deputy Secretary-General of Imam Hussein Holy Shrine. In it, he stressed that the Holy Qur’an has addressed the issue of violence against women, recognising women as the cornerstone of family upbringing and care. He further recalled the Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) instruction: “Treat women gently.”

The program then included a lecture by Dr. Haidar Hassan Al-Yaqubi, Head of the Psychological Counselling and Educational Guidance Division at Karbala University, who discussed empowering women to confront violence and defend themselves, noting that women represent the whole of society, not merely half of it.

Asst. Lect. Sabah Al-Jubouri, a specialist in international law and faculty member at Warith Al-Anbiya’ University, contributed with a valuable lecture on the CEDAW Convention, highlighting its objective of eliminating all forms of discrimination against women and the internationally accepted measures necessary to achieve gender equality across all fields.

This was followed by a lecture by Dr. Siba Nizar Al-Khafaji, Head of the Mathematics Department at Al-Zahraa University, who underlined the significance of eradicating violence, preventive strategies, and institutional roles, particularly through educational institutions and global health organisations, in reducing violence against women.

Additionally, Dr. Rahaf Aql Rajoub, faculty member at Al-Safwa University, presented a lecture that addressed the evaluation of protective and risk factors and elaborated on the principle of respect as a foundational safeguard.

Finally, Ms. Noor Al-Karkoushi, lecturer in the Arabic Language Department at Al-Zahraa University, affirmed in her lecture that violence is a pathological problem rather than a mere social phenomenon. Furthermore, she noted that it originates in upbringing, prevailing cultural attitudes, and misinterpretations of religion. She further concluded that combating violence in all its forms physical, material, and social requires multiple approaches, the most significant of which is self-cultivation.

Translated by Zahra’ Ala’, revised by Asst. Lect. Safa’ Al-Sadi