Nadia Murad

Nadia Murad, an Iraqi-born Yazidi human rights activist, has emerged as a powerful voice for those affected by genocide and human trafficking. Residing in Germany, she has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of women and children who have suffered from mass atrocities. Her journey took a harrowing turn in 2014 when she was abducted from her hometown of Kocho during the Yazidi genocide perpetrated by the Islamic State. Tragically, she lost most of her family in the violence and endured three months as a sex slave, alongside countless other Yazidi women and girls.

In response to the trauma inflicted upon her community, Murad founded Nadia's Initiative, a non-profit organization aimed at helping survivors heal and rebuild their lives. The establishment of this organization was a direct result of the Sinjar massacre, reflecting her commitment to restoring dignity and hope to those affected by such horrific events.

Her tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, she was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with Congolese gynecologist Denis Mukwege for their work in combating sexual violence as a weapon of war. This accolade marked a significant milestone, making her the first Iraqi and Yazidi recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

In addition to her activism, Murad was appointed as the first-ever Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2016. Through her advocacy, she continues to shine a light on the plight of survivors and the urgent need for global action against human trafficking.