The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced the designation of January 12 of each year as the National Day for Iraqi University Women.

Head of the Women's Affairs Department at the Ministry, Prof. Dr. Nada Al-Abidi reviewed that this achievement followed a series of meetings with officials responsible for women's affairs units across various Ministries, these meetings resulted in a recommendation to designate January 12 as the National Day for University Women, in recognition of their pioneering role within higher education and scientific research institutions.

Prof. Dr. Nada Al-Abidi added that the National Department for Iraqi Women, part of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, was keen on adopting these recommendations and approving the proposal, thereby helping to highlight women's contributions across various national sectors, particularly in academia and science.

For her part, Head General of the National Department, Dr. Yusra Al-Allaq for Iraqi Women, welcomed the designation of a national day for university women, emphasizing that it would serve as an annual opportunity to showcase the achievements of Iraqi female academics and researchers, as well as their contributions to building scientific institutions, generating knowledge, and serving the community thereby strengthening women's presence and role in the nation's development journey.

It is significant to mention that this date was chosen to commemorate a pivotal moment in the history of Higher Education in Iraq: January 12, 1970, marked the appointment of Dr. Suad Khalil Ismail Al-Bustani as the first woman to hold the position of Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Iraq, that period witnessed a significant institutional transformation, characterized by the renaming of the Ministry of Education (formerly the Ministry of Knowledge/Ma'arif) to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Government Media and Communication Directorate

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

September 14, 2026