AUK Honors International Women’s Day
Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – March 7th, 2019- To mark International Women’s Day, the center of the Rotunda inside AUK’s Mala Mustafa Barzani building was overtaken by a newly purchased three-meter fig tree.
Yellow, blue and white ribbons presenting the colors of AUK were tied to the branches of the Fig tree and became the symbolic connection nature, AUK and women. “I wanted AUK to hold a special event for IWD, therefore, we combined the celebration of women’s contribution to society as well as engaging our students to actively participate in the event by writing their wishes on a card that was addressed to the woman they most admired. This significance of what the Women’s Wishing Tree represents will be a continuous one, as the tree will become part of AUK Campus and guests visiting AUK will be given the opportunity to hang their wishing cards on the Wishing Tree” said Shie Faraj, Manager of Student Affairs.
The Fig tree was named the Women’s Wishing Tree then planted on AUK campus as a living memory to all the women whom have and continue to contribute to society. The Women’s Wishing Tree was planted as a symbol of gratitude to all women that love and continue to love for the greater good of humanity.
The branches of the Fig tree, barely visible were covered with portraits of notable women throughout history and personal wishing cards. Each wishing card written by AUK students and staff containing a special message to the woman they loved and admire the most. “we wanted to showcase past and present women leaders who have made impact not only in humanitarian aid or equality, but also in science, education and other fields. ” said Ari Ibrahim, Director of Admissions and Registrations.
The 7th March, 2019 concluded with AUK staff and students making donations to the Gender Equality Student Club. Furthermore, in celebration of the Kurdistan Region’s National Kurdish clothes day, AUK Students and Staff wore traditional Kurdish clothes, and danced to traditional Kurdish music.
International Women’s Day (IWD) has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Prior to this the Socialist Party of America, United Kingdom’s Suffragists and Suffragettes, and further groups campaigned for women’s equality. IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere and is not country, group or organization specific.