As part of Wasit University’s efforts to empower women and promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Women’s Affairs Unit at the College of Veterinary Medicine organized an awareness seminar titled “Working Women and the Challenges of Parenting in the Modern Age.” The seminar was delivered by Asst. Lecturer Alaa Ziyad Kokaz, and focused on the evolving role of working mothers in raising a conscious generation amid growing responsibilities and societal changes.

The seminar aimed to empower women psychologically and socially, while offering strategies to help them balance professional life with parenting responsibilities, in alignment with several SDGs, particularly:

Goal 5: Gender Equality

Goal 4: Quality Education

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

In her address, Alaa Kokaz stated:
“Today’s working woman faces increasing challenges that require constant adaptation between job pressures and parenting demands. Yet, she can present a successful human model when supported by appropriate institutional and societal frameworks.”

She added:
“Through this seminar, we aim to shed light on the obstacles hindering women’s educational role and to promote the culture of family partnership as a practical solution that enables women to succeed in both spheres.”

The seminar covered key topics, including:

The current status of working women in society,

The transformations in her role within the family,

The educational challenges she faces such as time constraints and mental overload,

And effective strategies for achieving work-life balance.

The session concluded with several recommendations that emphasized the need for educational and social institutions to play a stronger role in supporting women, and in creating enabling environments that allow them to fulfill both their professional and parenting roles effectively — ultimately contributing to societal development and the nurturing of more stable, aware generations.