Symposium on Kurdistan geopolitics and women's situation opens in Sulaymaniyah

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq — A symposium titled "Kurdistan Geopolitics and the Situation of Women" began on Friday, bringing together politicians, activists, academics and representatives of women's organizations from the four parts of Kurdistan. The event is organized by the Rapak organization in cooperation with the Azadbuwan organization. Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of foreign relations for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, and Ayla Akat Ata, a former Turkish lawmaker, are among the speakers. Journalist Tewar Adil moderated the opening session, where participants examined how geopolitical shifts in the region have affected women's conditions. Avan Silvani, a member of the Kurdistan Women's Relations Organization, said the symposium aims to create a dialogue platform among Kurdish women from the four parts of Kurdistan and to share common experiences. She noted that women's rights advocates, civil society representatives and human rights defenders are attending the event. Discussions are expected to address regional political developments and the challenges women face, with proposals on women's participation in decision-making processes also on the agenda.