03/19/2024
By Reem Niyazi
The College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, invites you to attend a Master's thesis defense by Reem Niyazi on "The Changing Landscape of Women's Education in Iraq: A Comparative Analysis of Factors and Trends from 1990-2023."
Candidate: Reem Niyazi
Degree: Master's in peace and conflict resolution studies
Defense Date: Friday, March 29, 2024
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Dugan Hall Room 204
Thesis/Dissertation Title: The Changing Landscape of Women's Education in Iraq: A Comparative Analysis of Factors and Trends from 1990-2023
Dissertation Committee:
- Dissertation Chair: Deina Abdelkader, Director of Peace and Conflict Studies BA/MA Program, Associate Professor, Political Science Dept., University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Elizabeth R. Williams, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Camelia Bouzerdan, Ph.D., Global Studies Dept, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Abstract:
The study delves into the trajectory of women's education in Iraq from 1990 to 2023, acknowledging the pivotal role of education amidst tumultuous times. Through a comparative analysis, it examines Iraq's educational landscape, highlighting developments, setbacks, and ongoing challenges faced by Iraqi women. Despite a robust education system pre-2003, the invasion and subsequent geopolitical shifts brought significant changes. Cultural and societal beliefs entrenched gender disparities, persisting even post-invasion, exacerbated by warfare-induced migration and ideological curriculum changes. The research underscores the need to address cultural norms for educational equity, advocating for an inclusive academic environment shaped by historical, traditional, and geopolitical factors.