CUE Hosts Women Empowerment Through Sport Seminar with Free to Run Organization

The Women Empowerment Corner and Social Cohesion Office at CUE, in collaboration with the Free to Run Organization, conducted a seminar entitled “Women Empowerment Through Sport and Life Skills” on January 27, 2026, at the university.

Aligned with CUE’s mission and core values, the initiative advocates for and empowers women’s rights by organizing events and workshops on essential topics for female students. This initiative particularly targets those who have experienced displacement or faced various barriers, with the goal of creating a supportive environment that enables them to continue their education, develop leadership skills, and inspire future generations of women.

The seminar explored how sport can build resilience, foster leadership, and create safe collective spaces. Emphasis was placed on experiential learning, trauma-informed coaching, and life skills development through physical activity. In conflicting and conservative societies, women and girls often face mobility restrictions and social pressures that limit their participation. Initiatives like this are crucial for empowerment, showing that sports can aid in healing trauma, boosting mental well-being, and building confidence for active societal participation—the core mission of the Free to Run Organization—while encouraging female students to overcome social barriers and develop life skills in a safe and supportive environment.

A distinguished presenter, Nadine Wirya Dinha, a general dental practitioner and certified running coach with Free to Run, shared her story of how sport has been a transformative force in her life. Passionate about marathon running and powerlifting, she has won bronze and gold medals in powerlifting and successfully completed a 21 km half marathon. Nadine inspired CUE students to make positive changes in their lives and embrace sport as part of this journey. She noted, “Sport creates a safe entry point for women to build confidence, reclaim their voices, and develop life skills. When girls are given the space to move, they begin to see themselves as capable leaders in their own lives.”

Another inspirational story was shared by Niyan, a young Yazidi woman from Sinjar. Having faced trauma and displacement after ISIS attacks, she gained courage and self-assurance through Free to Run’s programs. Her journey, which included local training and winning first place in her age group at an international trail race in Spain, deeply inspired the audience, demonstrating how athletics can promote healing and perseverance.

The event concluded with an interactive discussion and Q&A session, encouraging student engagement and reflection.

Many female students at CUE were inspired by the session and expressed interest in sports. The Student’s Affairs Office is currently working on an initiative to officially engage female students in sports activities at the university, further supporting empowerment and active participation.