As part of the scientific and cultural activities adopted by the College of Administration and Economics at the University of Karbala, the Women’s Affairs Unit in the Department of Economics organized a scientific seminar titled “Women’s Rights Between Religious Authority and Western Challenges” on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in cooperation with the Holy Shrine of Imam Husayn / Department of Religious Affairs.

The seminar was delivered by Ms. Ilham Hashim Al-Musawi, who presented a comprehensive overview of the status of women from a religious perspective. She reviewed a set of teachings and directives derived from the heritage of the supreme religious authority, emphasizing the protection of women’s dignity, preservation of their rights, and enhancement of their humanitarian and social roles.

The seminar also addressed the major cultural and intellectual challenges originating from Western environments, which influence women’s identity, values, and societal roles. It included an analysis of the conditions that facilitate the transfer of such ideas into Eastern societies, particularly among youth.

Furthermore, the seminar presented reform-oriented perspectives aimed at empowering women and strengthening their effective participation in various fields within a value-based framework that preserves the community’s authentic identity. It also highlighted the role of educational and religious institutions in shaping awareness and promoting a path of moderation.

At the end of the seminar, the floor was opened for discussion, where attendees engaged actively with questions and insights that enriched the topic. The Women’s Affairs Unit extended its gratitude to the Holy Shrine of Imam Husayn and the distinguished lecturer for their valuable intellectual contribution