Inauguration Ceremony of the Center for Genocide, Gender, and Social Research at Soran University

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, an official ceremony was held at Soran University to inaugurate the Center for Genocide, Gender, and Social Research. The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Sherwan Sharif Qurtas, President of Soran University, members of the University Council, Zaito Siyani, UNAMI representative in the Kurdistan Region, Bahar Ali, head of the Ema Organization for Women’s and Human Rights, along with government officials, faculty members, and students. The event took place under the theme: “A New Horizon in Social Science Research.”

Opening Speech by the University President

The ceremony commenced with a speech by Prof. Dr. Sherwan Sharif Qurtas, President of Soran University. He welcomed the attendees, expressing his delight at the significant presence at this important event. He emphasized that such gatherings highlight the participants’ commitment to academic research and intellectual discourse. He also underscored Soran University’s dedication to social sciences and its continuous efforts to foster an environment where scientific research and knowledge contribute to societal development.

Dr. Sherwan Sahrif Qurtas further elaborated on the university’s decision, made after extensive discussions with faculty members and academic leaders, to restructure and rename the Kurdistan Center for Gender Studies into the Center for Genocide, Gender, and Social Research within the framework of Soran University’s Scientific Research Center. This transformation aims to enhance research output and provide valuable insights to the community, as a healthy society is built on a foundation of academic excellence.

Seminar by Dr. Ibrahim Malazadeh

Following the opening speech, Dr. Ibrahim Malazadeh, Director of the newly established Center for Genocide, Gender, and Social Research, presented a seminar. In his presentation, he explained the organizational structure, objectives, and research focus of the center. He outlined the center’s vision to advance research on genocide, gender studies, and social issues, offering a platform for in-depth academic investigations and policy recommendations.

Panel Discussion: Breaking Barriers in Genocide, Gender, and Social Research

As part of the event, a panel discussion titled “Breaking Barriers: The Beginning of the Center for Genocide, Gender, and Social Research” was held. The panel featured:
• Dr. Nabaz Naser – Moderator
• Prof. Dr. Media Ibrahim Fattah – Discussing genocide studies and their impact on research
• Bahar Ali Qadir – Addressing gender studies and their academic challenges
• Prof. Dr. Murad Hakim – Focusing on social research and its academic implications

Certificate of Participation

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Sherwan Sharif Qurtas presented certificates of participation to the panelists and the panel moderator in recognition of their contributions.

Background of the Center

The Kurdistan Center for Gender Studies was initially established on May 25, 2015, at Soran University by an academic directive. However, after a period of inactivity, discussions and evaluations led to a decision to reactivate and expand its scope. After ten years since its foundation, the university decided to revitalize the center with a broader focus, including genocide and social research, and rename it as the Center for Genocide, Gender, and Social Research.

Mission and Objectives

The Center for Genocide, Gender, and Social Research is an academic and research institution dedicated to conducting studies in education, social justice, and addressing issues related to gender inequality, discrimination, and violence. The center also aims to contribute to post-war and post-genocide reconciliation and recovery efforts by providing scholarly insights and policy guidance.