Under the patronage of the Dean of the College of Science for Women at the University of Baghdad, Professor Dr. Sameera Naji Khdim, the Career Development and Employment Unit organized a workshop entitled “Combating Extremism through Digital Platforms.” The workshop was presented by Dr. Abbas Hadi Abd, Head of the Claims Unit, and Ms. Abeer Mohammed Abbas, Head of Consultations in the Legal Division. It was held in the hall of the Career Development and Employment Unit, with the attendance of a number of faculty members, staff, and students of the college.
The presenters indicated that digital platforms have become an essential part of daily life, and that the virtual world has transformed into an open space for the circulation of ideas of all kinds—positive, as well as negative and harmful. They emphasized that one of the most dangerous phenomena spreading through these platforms is online extremism, manifested in the exploitation of the internet and social media to disseminate ideas of hatred and violence or to recruit young people into extremist groups.
The speakers also explained that extremism does not begin with violence directly, but rather with a simple idea, a post, or a video clip that may influence minds and emotions, particularly among youth.
The workshop concluded by underscoring the vital role of individuals and institutions in confronting extremist ideologies—not only through blocking or reporting harmful content, but also through promoting awareness, moderate thinking, and purposeful discourse.
This workshop is part of a series of awareness activities organized by the college to foster a culture of tolerance and humanistic, moderate thought among students, and to prepare an informed generation capable of distinguishing between constructive and destructive ideas, contributing to the building of a safe and cohesive society.
