In a panel organised by the College of Law and Politics at the University of Human Development, specialists discussed methods of confronting violence against women from legal and Islamic Sharia perspectives. The panel took place in Professor Dr Ali Qaradaghi Hall on December 1st, 2024.

A significant number of students from all UHD colleges attended the panel, as well as lecturers and administrators.

Dr Kurdistan Salim Saeed opened the panel with a short speech about the history of modern violence against women and the duty of civil society groups, organisations, and academic centres in that regard. She then introduced the speakers and welcomed them onto the stage.

Dr Taha Tahir Zalmi spoke at length about the problem from the Islamic Sharia point of view. He explained that there is a difference between Muslims or followers of any religion and their religion. He argued that there are many beautiful and clear texts in the Quran and Islamic tradition that ask and oblige male practitioners to be nice to their female partners and treat them very well and with utmost respect. He argued that even divorce, which is a break and seen as negative, must be done with dignity, and that peace and respect must continue between the separated couple after their marriage.

The second speaker, Dr Aryan Rasheed Shareef, spoke about slavery as a huge problem in human history. He mentioned that despite many attempts in the past by different religions and individuals in various jurisdictions, the problem continues to exist in different forms in modern times. Dr Shareef explained that there are many hidden forms of slavery today, with women being the most common victims. He also mentioned that he and his team work tirelessly to locate and assist these victims. Dr Aryan Shareef is the head of the Directorate of Organised Crimes/Sulaymaniyah Office.

The third and final speaker, Dr Asos Namiq Brakhas, a member of the teaching staff at the Law Department at UHD, spoke about ‘electronic violence against women’, which is a widespread issue in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. She explained the problem and mentioned that electronic violence occurs in the form of threats, identity theft, defamation, etc. The perpetrators at times coerce their victims, mostly women, to do things against their will. Many women will face actual violence from their male relatives and partners when they talk about the violence they have experienced through their electronic devices.

The panel ended with questions and comments from the audience.