College of Medicine at the University of Babylon Holds a Seminar on the Problem of Illiteracy in Iraqi Society
Under the patronage of Professor Dr. Ameen Ajeel Al-Yasiri, President of the University of Babylon, and under the supervision of Professor Dr. Muhannad Abbas Al-Shallah, Dean of the College of Medicine, the Women’s Affairs Unit at the college organized an awareness seminar entitled:
“The Problem of Illiteracy in Iraqi Society – Proposed Facts and Solutions”, managed by Dr. Sabreen Saleem, liaison member of the Women’s Affairs Unit at the college. This seminar is part of the Third National Plan for Women – Pillar of Protection and Prevention / Paragraph One / Literacy Programs Implemented in Rural and Remote Areas.
The seminar was presented by Assistant Professor Dr. Sara Abbas Ubaid, who explained that illiteracy in Iraq is a manifestation of underdevelopment, and confronting it requires serious attention and mobilization of all available human and material resources. She noted that illiteracy has become a strategic issue influenced by political, social, and economic changes, and has worsened in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given the risks and negative impacts of illiteracy on individuals and society, she emphasized the need to develop national strategies to improve the education sector in Iraq. Despite varying statistics on illiteracy rates, official and international sources confirm that millions of Iraqis still suffer from illiteracy.
The Iraqi Ministry of Planning recently announced a decrease in illiteracy indicators, attributing the progress to efforts by the Ministry of Education. However, illiteracy remains prevalent, particularly among women, a situation attributed by many to economic factors, poverty, and unemployment.
The seminar highlighted that the illiteracy rate in Iraq is around 12% among individuals aged 15 and above, rising to approximately 18% among women compared to 9% among men. In rural areas, the rate reaches about 20%, while it drops to nearly 11% in urban areas.
Several recommendations were proposed to combat illiteracy, including:
• Developing specialized training programs to help teachers acquire professional and educational skills.
• Addressing social customs and traditions that hinder access to education.
• Engaging community stakeholders—such as the media, religious leaders, and civil society organizations—in literacy efforts.
• Revising adult education curricula to align with learners’ interests.
• Providing financial and moral incentives for learners.