Each March marks Women’s History Month around the world and at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) where the Center for Gender and Development Studies (CGDS) hosted a number of events highlighting women’s accomplishments and contributions to our societies and communities, as well as break barriers and gender stereotypes.
Silent Auction
CGDS hosted a silent auction on March 3 at the Sulaimani Palace Hotel to highlight the talent and creativity of women artists. Paintings by local artists Narmin Mustafa and Avan Sdiq were on display for auction, writer and AUIS Lecturer Alex Poppe read an excerpt from her upcoming book, Room 308. Guests were also treated to an exceptional musical performance by the AUIS Music Club. The auction was a great success, raising over $2,000 for the artists.
My Mother’s Name is My Surname (#ExpressTheOther)
Around the world, naming culture generally follows the paternal line of lineage, especially in societies where “son of” is a common surname. To honor maternal lineage and “Express the Other,” faculty and staff were encouraged to change their last names on the signs outside their office to reflect their mother’s names.
This initiative was inspired by a short video produced by AUIS student Zhiwar Jawhar as a final project for the Gender, Media and Society course.
CGDS also encouraged AUIS students to take part in the #ExpressTheOther by giving them the opportunity to write their names and their mother’s name on three canvases in the cafeteria. Each student was given a purple balloon. Within two hours, students filled the three canvases with their names.
International Women’s Day
On March 8, CGDS planned a poetry slam event to celebrate the International Women's Day. AUIS community was encouraged to share their piece of writings dedicated to women or read pieces by their favorite artists.
Decorating the AUIS Cafeteria
CGDS interns alongside The Action Group (TAG), decorated the cafeteria with purple ribbons and bows to shine light on International Women’s Day.
“Developing Centers for Gender Studies in Universities of Kurdistan” Conference
On International Women’s Day, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Higher Education hosted a day-long conference of the development of gender studies centers in the Kurdish region.
AUIS Communications and Outreach Manager Hana Saida spoke as a panelist and presented work conducted by AUIS’ CGDS
AUIS Community Outreach
Spring represents rebirth and renewal and is a popular time in the Kurdistan Region for having new sets of traditional clothes made by local tailors. CGDS thanked the University’s support staff for their hard work with a presentation of traditional fabric for 28 women from the janitorial and office refreshment departments.