Evan Hawar Kakaei, a Kurdish woman and specialist residing in the United States, has successfully earned a doctoral degree in criminal justice and criminology. This achievement not only strengthens the presence of Kurds in Western academic institutions but also represents a step towards transferring contemporary legal and academic expertise to universities in the Kurdistan Region.
The academic, who has an extensive background in the supervision and monitoring of incarcerated individuals and also teaches at a university in the United States, has successfully combined scientific theories with practical experience within law enforcement institutions. Her aim is to help educate and prepare a new generation of judges and judicial professionals.
In her view, attaining a university teaching position is not merely a professional achievement; it is also a turning point in making justice a practical reality within society, transforming it from a theoretical concept into something accessible to every individual, without discrimination.
Evan emphasises that her national identity and the hardships Kurds have endured throughout history have taught her resilience and determination. She explains that her Kurdish roots have been a key driving force behind her understanding of the values of equality and human dignity.
Looking ahead, she plans to put her expertise at the service of the higher education sector in the Kurdistan Region. She intends to contribute to specialised committees responsible for establishing and developing criminal justice education programmes at universities across Kurdistan.
At the same time, she believes that the success of Kurdish individuals in education and government institutions in the United States enhances the standing and voice of the Kurdish nation within decision-making circles. It also demonstrates that Kurds can become influential and active citizens in their adopted country without having to abandon their identity.
From Displacement to Academic Achievement
Evan Hawar Kakaei and her family’s migration to the United States dates back to the late 1990s, when they were forced to leave their homeland because of political conflicts and instability in Southern Kurdistan.
The lack of security and stability she experienced as a child in Kurdistan became a major motivating factor in her decision to pursue a career in criminal justice in the United States and dedicate her academic life to upholding the rule of law.
Her journey stands as an example of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge, demonstrating how personal experiences of hardship can inspire a lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity.