Al-Mustaqbal University opened new horizons for Iraqi women’s professional empowerment by organizing a national forum entitled “Empowering Iraqi Women in the Labour Market and Employment,” under the slogan “From University to the Labour Market: How Can We Create Greater Opportunities for Iraqi Women?” The forum was held under the patronage of the University President, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, with the participation of prominent governmental and academic figures, university graduates, and representatives of relevant institutions. The event aimed to enhance Iraqi women’s employment opportunities and promote their economic and professional empowerment. The forum witnessed the attendance of Dr. Ala Talabani, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Iraqi Women’s Affairs; Ms. Dhifaf Al-Jarrah, General Coordinator of the National Iraqi Women’s Team; several members of the team; representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals / General Directorate of Industrial Development; as well as a distinguished group of academics and individuals interested in women’s issues. The event commenced with a speech on behalf of the University Presidency, delivered by Prof. Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision. He emphasized the important role of universities in preparing and qualifying women to meet labour market requirements, strengthening cooperation with governmental institutions and productive sectors, and providing genuine professional opportunities for female graduates. He also highlighted several initiatives undertaken by Al-Mustaqbal University in this regard. For her part, Dr. Ala Talabani emphasized the importance of expanding Iraqi women’s participation in the labour market and supporting their presence across various professional and productive fields, thereby strengthening their contribution to economic and social development. The forum included a panel discussion entitled “The Role of Women in the Labour Market: Opportunities and Challenges,” moderated by Prof. Dr. Iman Abdul Aziz, Director of the University’s Rehabilitation, Employment and Follow-up Division, and chaired by Dr. Ala Talabani. The panel featured Eng. Huda Qasim Khazal, a member of the National Women’s Team and representative of the General Directorate of Industrial Development at the Ministry of Industry and Minerals; Ms. Pardis Hassan Al-Aysawi, Coordinator of the National Women’s Team in Babil Governorate; and Ms. Taghreed Hadi Dikan, a member of the National Iraqi Women’s Team. The discussion addressed the major challenges facing Iraqi women in the labour market, ways to align university educational outcomes with employment requirements, and the importance of strengthening partnerships between universities, governmental institutions, and the productive sector. These efforts aim to create broader professional pathways for female graduates and facilitate their transition from university life into the labour market. The forum concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at developing employment opportunities and strengthening coordination between academic institutions and relevant authorities. The event was followed by honoring the participants and guests in recognition of their contributions and active participation. Organizing this forum comes within Al-Mustaqbal University’s commitment to enhancing professional qualifications, connecting educational outcomes with labour market requirements, and establishing a supportive environment that enables Iraqi women to utilize their capabilities and actively contribute to development and nation-building. Al-Mustaqbal University… Education Opens Doors, Empowerment Creates Opportunities, and a Future Led by the Potential of Iraqi Women. Al-Mustaqbal University Media