As part of its September program, the Women’s Affairs Unit at the Faculty of Science, University of Kerbala, organized an awareness lecture entitled “Literacy: A Step Towards Sustainable Development.” The lecture was delivered by Assistant Professor Dr. Doreen Benjamin Hormuz from the College of Administration and Economics and Assistant Professor Dr. Ali Hamza Hadi from the College of Education for Human Sciences.

The lecture aimed to raise awareness about the importance of literacy as one of the major challenges facing developing societies, noting that illiteracy hinders active participation in economic and social life. Dr. Benjamin emphasized that literacy goes beyond learning to read and write, representing instead a tool for unleashing human potential and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

The lecture addressed several key themes, including the concepts of traditional, functional, and digital illiteracy, in addition to exploring the relationship between literacy and the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. It also highlighted the critical role of education—particularly for women—in strengthening families and promoting gender equality.

This activity comes within the framework of the Third National Action Plan for Women, Peace, and Security—Protection and Prevention Pillar (2025), which the Women’s Affairs Unit at the College of Science, University of Kerbala is actively implementing.