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The social values, severely affected

The social values, severely affected
2003. Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad. Students of Spanish gather round a Spanish visitor a month before the outbreak of the war. The second language, after English, chosen by Iraqi university students was Spanish. Photograph: María Rosa Peñarroya © María Rosa Peñarroya
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The social values, severely affected

In 1966 a law was passed establishing the free and public nature of Iraqi universities. Between 1975 and 1988, the number of university and technical college students rose by 52%, from 781 to 1,188 per 100,000 inhabitants.

During the ten years of sanctions, the levels of female enrolment and gender equalisation at university remained similar, although there was a clear downward trend. 

Since the occupation in 2003, the new Iraqi authorities have imposed segregation by gender at all levels of education, including university, both for teachers and students. Para-governmental religious groups make it difficult for women to Access campuses or make them wear a veil.