The College of Education for Women at the University of Baghdad represented the Republic of Iraq at the international conference organized by UNESCO in Paris under the theme: “Beijing+30: The Strategic Goal for Women and Media – Assessment and Progress Forward on the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action” concerning the safety and protection of journalists.
The conference workshops focused on Annex (J) of the Beijing Declaration, which is dedicated to the rights and protection of women journalists worldwide. Discussions addressed contemporary challenges, including artificial intelligence and the safety of female journalists. The Iraqi experience was highlighted as a leading model in the Arab region, particularly through the establishment of the Digital Reporting Platform for Women Journalists and the formation of a specialized post-trauma treatment team for female journalists who have experienced violence.
Representing Iraq’s Digital Reporting Platform at the conference was Dr. Sanaa Lazem Mohammed, Associate Dean for Student Affairs at the College of Education for Women and head of the platform. She emphasized that the college took the initiative to establish a psychosocial support team for women journalists within the Department of Psychology. This team underwent extensive training in psychological and social assistance, supported by UNESCO Iraq, and has been recognized by UNESCO as the first of its kind in the Arab region. UNESCO is currently working on an executive cooperation framework with the College of Education for Women as part of its 2025-2027 projects in Iraq.
The Iraqi Digital Reporting Platform received widespread recognition from international participants, as it is directly linked to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and the Publication and Media Courts of the Supreme Judicial Council, ensuring an effective response mechanism for protecting female journalists. The platform serves as a practical tool for enhancing journalist safety, combating threats, and strengthening official reporting mechanisms for addressing risks and challenges.
Dr. Sanaa also highlighted the support of Assist.Prof.Dr. Ithar Al-Shatari, Dean of the College of Education for Women, in establishing the psychological support team for female journalists. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity (2023-2033). The second phase of this plan focuses on developing national protection mechanisms in ten countries, including Iraq, to reduce violence against journalists and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
This achievement underscores Iraq’s commitment to international initiatives for journalist protection and its dedication to the UN plan for promoting freedom of expression and safeguarding media professionals from threats and violence.
