The Women’s Empowerment Department was established at the University of Basra about six years ago, under the guidance of the General Secretariat of the Prime Minister’s Office, with the aim of implementing the international program to empower women culturally, politically, and economically, and achieving an effective partnership between men and women in order to achieve sustainable development goals.

On February 25, 2024, the name of the department was changed from “Women’s Empowerment Division” to “Women’s Affairs Division.” This change came as a result of comments circulating on social media and some organizations exploiting women’s empowerment departments in ministries. Through this change, the university aims to protect religious and social values ​​and beliefs, and to ensure the continued activation of the role of women within the framework of established values.