In line with the global movement to empower women economically and professionally, the College of Administration and Economics at the University of Karbala organized a distinguished training and awareness course titled: “Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change in the Business World.”

The course was held from Sunday, March 8, 2026, to Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and specifically targeted female students of the Department of Economics, aiming to equip them with the leadership skills necessary to face the challenges of the contemporary labor market.

The course was delivered by Dr. Asmaa Habib Neama, who presented a comprehensive perspective on the pivotal role of women in shaping economic policies and managing institutions. She emphasized that leadership is not limited to positions, but rather is the ability to create positive and sustainable change in the business environment.

The course featured interactive discussions covering several key strategic topics, most notably:

• Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Understanding the social and psychological challenges women may face on their path to leadership positions and how to overcome them.
• Emotional Intelligence and Leadership: Leveraging interpersonal skills in managing teams and making sound economic decisions.
• Personal Branding: Empowering students with negotiation skills, effective communication, and building self-confidence in competitive work environments.
• Economic Success Stories: Showcasing examples of Iraqi and global women who have transformed the economic landscape and led major companies and entrepreneurial ventures.

The course aimed to instill a spirit of initiative among female economics students and encourage them to think beyond traditional career paths, enabling each of them to become entrepreneurs and leaders in their respective fields. The sessions witnessed open discussions on the opportunities available for women in the Iraqi economy and ways to activate their role in achieving sustainable development.

This initiative comes as part of the college administration’s vision to prepare graduates who possess both academic knowledge and leadership qualities, contributing to strengthening the university’s position as an academic institution that actively supports the empowerment of all segments of society and the building of a bright future for Iraq.