Widad, a multiple award-winning international humanitarian and global women empowerment icon, has dedicated her life to saving lives and alleviating suffering. The former senior lobbyist at the United Nations advocates against armed gender-based violence, promotes peace and equal rights, and strives to mitigate the impacts of man-made conflicts on humans and the environment.

As the founder of Defend International, her expertise has earned her a place among the world’s brightest brokers of peace. Accredited at major United Nations meetings, she spearheaded historic global campaigns in 2014—including Save Kobane, Save Christians, Save Yazidis, and Save Humanity—demonstrating exceptional activism that ultimately led to the protection of millions of endangered civilians and the liberation of thousands of enslaved women and children.

Dr. Widad’s remarkable global achievements have been recognized with numerous world honors. She received the prestigious 2017 Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) Peace and Freedom Award for her lifelong commitment to human dignity, the 2018 International Woman Harmony Award, and was honored as Woman of the Year in 2020 for her visionary leadership. Today, she continues her vital life mission as an international health expert, epidemiologist, and dedicated citizen of the world.