As part of its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 4: Quality Education, and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities—the Women’s Affairs Unit at the College of Education for Human Sciences, Wasit University, organized a panel discussion titled: “The Role of Women in Social Sciences.”

The session highlighted that women have played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the social sciences, both theoretically and in practical application. Their contributions have significantly deepened the understanding of societal phenomena and driven the evolution of key academic disciplines.

Prominent examples discussed included Harriet Martineau, recognized as one of the first writers in sociology and social work; Karen Horney, who challenged Freud’s views and introduced new theories on women’s psychology; and Margaret Mead, whose anthropological work emphasized the impact of environment and culture on gender identity. These pioneers showcased how women have used the tools of social science to serve and understand communities.

The panel stressed the importance of integrating these contributions into academic curricula to provide a more balanced and inclusive perspective of human knowledge and to inspire female students to pursue careers in social sciences as a means to address social challenges and foster sustainable development.

This academic event reflects the college’s ongoing efforts to empower women, promote equal opportunities in higher education, and build a more just and informed society.