The Psychological Counseling and Educational Guidance Unit at the College of Physical Education and Sports Science for Women, University of Baghdad, hosted a delegation from the Department of Psychological and Social Rehabilitation for Countering Extremism under the Department of Youth Culture and Arts. The lecture, titled “The Role of Women in Peacebuilding and Protecting Families from the Dangers of Extremism,” was presented by Dr. Mohammed Muwafiq Maki, Lecturer Taha Hamid, Lecturer Samer Hafidh Hamid, and Hassan Abdul Hadi for undergraduate students.
Dr. Mohammed Muwafiq introduced the lecture topics, emphasizing the serious threat extremism poses to society. He described it as a critical social issue that requires specialized efforts and strategic interventions to counter its spread. The lecture defined extremism as the rejection of any cultural, religious, or ideological beliefs that differ from those of an extremist individual or group. It also categorized extremism into various forms, including intellectual, religious, political, and social extremism.
The discussion highlighted the significant role of Iraqi women both within the household and in broader society in combating all forms of extremism. As the cornerstone of community development, women play a crucial role in promoting social peace, rejecting hate speech and radical ideologies, encouraging dialogue and acceptance of differing viewpoints, and actively participating in peacebuilding efforts.
This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: Goal 4: Quality Education, by raising awareness and promoting knowledge on social issues.
Goal 5: Gender Equality, by emphasizing women’s roles in countering extremism and fostering peace. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by advocating for conflict resolution, tolerance, and societal stability. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering collaborations to achieve sustainable peace and development.
The lecture reinforced the importance of educational institutions and governmental bodies working together to address social challenges, promote inclusivity, and build a more resilient and harmonious society.