DIREN RAHIM

Sulaymaniyah- As a result of rapid digital transformations and the dominance of social media over the details of daily life, the inclination to read books is witnessing a noticeable decline compared to the past, raising questions about the future of print culture and the role of reading in building individual and societal awareness, particularly among women, who are viewed as essential partners in the process of cultural and social change.

Commenting on the importance of reading, especially for women, activist Mahsouma Shahid Ibrahim affirmed that technological development and the spread of social media have contributed to the decline in the inclination to read books compared to the past, despite the fact that reading is one of the most important pillars of life, especially for women, because, as she affirms, “it helps them express their thoughts opinions, develop themselves,and strengthen their position in society.”

“Women Possess Special Strength and will”

Mahsouma Shahid Ibrahim explained that reading is a broad concept. “We may find people who do not hold academic degrees but possess great awareness and culture thanks to reading. It is one of the most important necessities of life, especially for women, because it gives them the ability to to express their opinions and develop themselves.”

She added: "My message to all women is to read books and make reading a daily habit, because the book is a woman's best friend at the present time. It helps her express her thoughts with awareness and confidence. Women possess strength and will that enable them to confront patriarchal mentality, but reading and education give them stronger tools to analyze issues related to women, such as violence, discrimination, and the belittlement of their status."

She emphasized the importance of making reading a deeply rooted culture in various societies, because it enables people to acquire knowledge and experiences they lack.

“Women Must Constantly Renew Their Knowledge"

She pointed out that obtaining books has become easier through libraries, archive centers, and electronic platforms, noting that there is a large number of books addressing women's issues.

She added that women who have not had the opportunity to learn should receive attention from the Kurdistan Regional Government and women's organizations, through the opening of literacy courses, enabling them to benefit from various sources of knowledge. "A person is in constant need of developing themselves culturally and intellectually, and reading is the best means to achieve that, in addition to allowing one to become acquainted with different writers, peoples, and cultures."

"A Society That Reads Remains Alive"

Mahsouma Shahid Ibrahim said that among the most important reasons for reading is supporting writers and encouraging them to continue writing, in addition to providing readers with the opportunity to benefit from new publications available in libraries.

She believes that "a society dominated by a culture of reading is a living society that does not deviate from its path. Therefore, everyone should be encouraged to make reading part of their daily lives. When a woman cuts herself off from reading, she isolates herself from society and life. That is why reading is essential for acquiring knowledge and awareness of what is going on around her."

“Women Must Arm Themselves with Knowledge and learning”

She called on women to participate in seminars and cultural events where authors present their Works, considering that this allows them Access to books and raises their level of awareness.

“Women must read more than ever befor, develop themselves, and arm themselves wtih knowledge and learning.”

She also called on the Directorate of Culture in Sulaymaniyah to allocate a public library specifically for women in the city center, to be a place women can visit while they are in the market, to rest and benefit from reading at the same time.

Mahsouma Shahid Ibrahim explained that technology can be an important source of information, but it cannot replace the book, because reading books develops deep thinking and attention to detail. "I call on women to make reading a culture and a constant companion in their lives, and to learn about the history of their people's struggle so they realize what stages it went through and how it arrived at the present. Reading should be reflected in our lives and behavior and help us confront the manifestations of violence we face daily."