In conjunction with the blessed anniversary of the birth of Lady Fatima Al-Zahraa ( peace be upon her), the Holy Shrine of Imam-Hussein is preparing to launch the events of the Fourth International Kawthar Al-Ismah Cultural Festival on December 11. The festival represents a spiritual and cultural milestone that reflects the values of virtue and faith inspired by the life of Lady Al-Zahraa.

As part of these preparations, the Higher Women’s Committee at the Holy Shrine held a meeting at Al-Zahraa University for Women, chaired by the University President, Prof. Dr. Zainab Al-Sultani, and attended by Dr. Rafah Al-Hakim, Head of the Department of Family Guidance and Counseling; Ms. Suroor, Director of Al-Zahraa Institute for Qur’anic Sciences; Ms. Dhifaf, Director of Lady Ruqaya Orphans’ Preschool; Ms. Burkan Ahmed, Head of Women’s Relations; Ms. Ala’ Taher, Director of Adibat Al-Taff Institute; and Ms. Iman Kadhim, Head of the Women’s Activities Media Unit.

The meeting addressed the key themes of the festival’s preparations. As one of the leading women-centered events organized by the Holy Shrine, the festival celebrates the status of Lady Al-Zahraa (peace be upon her) as a symbol of infallibility, knowledge, and moral excellence, and commemorates her profound humanitarian role in upholding noble values.

Discussions included a review of the artistic and media plans for the event, with an agreement to prepare meaningful theatrical scenes that portray the life and humanitarian values of Lady Al-Zahraa (peace be upon her). Preparations also included the production of an artistic documentary highlighting the role of women within the Holy Shrine and its institutions, and showcasing their intellectual and humanitarian contributions across various fields.

The committee further approved the development of a comprehensive guidebook for women’s institutions, along with an informational booklet outlining their most prominent activities and initiatives. Additional preparations included event hosting arrangements, sound engineering, and media coverage to ensure the festival is organized with both excellence and impact, reflecting its spiritual and cultural message.

Prof. Dr. Al-Sultani emphasized that the Kawthar Al-Ismah Festival is not merely a cultural event, but a significant intellectual and humanitarian platform inspired by the steadfast faith, knowledge, and dignity embodied in the legacy of Lady Al-Zahraa (peace be upon her). She stressed the importance of mobilizing institutional support to ensure that this fourth edition distinguishes itself in both content and influence, particularly in highlighting the role of women in fields of culture and knowledge.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the final executive plans and the distribution of responsibilities among the organizing and supporting committees, in preparation for the launch of the Fourth International Kawthar Al-Ismah Cultural Festival. The festival is expected to welcome a wide participation of academic, research, and cultural women leaders from Iraq and beyond, offering a global celebration befitting the revered name and noble legacy of Lady Fatima Al-Zahraa (peace be upon her).

Translated by Zahra’ Salman Revised by Asst. Lect. Safa’ Al-Sadi