Alaa Murabit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alaa Murabit
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Alaa Murabit at the European Development Days 2016
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| Born | 26 October 1989 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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| Nationality | Canadian Libyan |
| Alma mater | London School of Economics and Political Science Al Zawiya University |
| Occupation | Medical Doctor Security Expert Women's rights activist |
| Known for | Voice of Libyan Women Founder TED Speaker The Omnis Institute Founder Sustainable Development Goal Global Advocate United Nations High Level Commissioner UN Security Council Advisor MIT Media Lab Fellow Harvard Fellow Ashoka Fellow |
| Awards | Canadian Meritorious Service Cross James Joyce Award Harvard Law Woman Inspiring Change The New York Times TrustWomen Hero Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Forbes 30 Under 30 (See full list) |
Alaa Murabit (born 26 October 1989) is a brave Libyan-Canadian doctor. She is known for her important work around the world. She helps make sure everyone, especially women, has a voice.
Alaa is a special advisor for the United Nations. She helps with global health and economic growth. She also co-founded The Omnis Institute. This group works on big global problems. Before that, she started Voice of Libyan Women when she was just 21.
In 2019, she was named one of the top 20 most influential people in gender policy. This put her alongside famous leaders like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Michelle Obama. Her TED Talk about women's rights has been watched millions of times. It was even chosen as a top TED Talk by The New York Times.
She has received many awards. These include being named a Forbes 30 Under 30 and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Harvard Law called her the youngest "Woman Inspiring Change" in 2017.
Contents
Her Early Life and School
Alaa Murabit grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. She was the sixth of eleven children. Her father was also a doctor. She says her parents treated all their children equally. This helped her believe in her own leadership skills.
When she was fifteen, she finished high school. In 2005, she moved with her family to Zawiya, Libya.
From 2006 to 2013, she studied medicine at Al Zawiya University in Libya. She worked in hospitals during the 2011 civil war. Her father helped rebel soldiers during the war. This made things difficult for her family.
Alaa earned her medical degree in 2013. Later, she got a master's degree from the London School of Economics in 2016. Her master's research focused on making peace and security fair for everyone.
Making a Difference: Her Work
Voice of Libyan Women (VLW)
In 2011, Alaa started Voice of Libyan Women (VLW). She led the group until 2015. She began VLW while still in medical school. The group helps women get involved in peace talks. It also works to change how society views women. VLW is known for fighting violence against women. It also trains women to take part in government.
VLW's "Noor Campaign" was the main topic of Alaa's 2015 TED Talk. This campaign aimed to correct wrong ideas about religion. It showed that religion does not take away women's rights. The Noor Campaign worked with over 600 local leaders. It reached more than 35 cities across Libya. The ideas from this campaign were later used in other countries.
Alaa believes that real peace comes from communities. She says we can stop violence by giving people hope. We can give them education, jobs, and dreams. By helping people and building strong groups, we can prevent wars.
Working with the United Nations
In 2014, Alaa joined a United Nations board. This board checks how well a resolution about women, peace, and security is being followed. She has also been an advisor for UN Women.
In 2015, Alaa spoke at a special United Nations Security Council meeting. This meeting celebrated 15 years of the resolution on women, peace, and security. From 2016 to 2022, she was the youngest of 17 Global Advocates. These advocates work for the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Since 2016, Alaa has also been part of a UN team. This team looks at health jobs and economic growth.
The Omnis Institute and More
In 2016, Alaa started a program to mentor young leaders. She also co-founded The Omnis Institute. This group works on big global challenges.
She is a board member for several important organizations. These include International Alert, Keeping Children Safe, Malaria No More, and the Malala Fund. Alaa has spoken at many major international events. These include the World Economic Forum and the Munich Security Conference.
Awards and Recognitions
Alaa Murabit has received many honors for her work:
- 2013: The New York Times and Thomson Reuters "TrustWomen Hero Award" Winner.
- 2013: Marisa Bellisario International Humanitarian Award from the Italian Government.
- 2014: UN Women Global Advisor.
- 2014: Ashoka Fellow.
- 2014: BBC Top 100 Woman.
- 2015: TED Talk of the Day.
- 2016: Appointed a United Nations High-Level Commissioner.
- 2016: Appointed one of 17 United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goal Advocates.
- 2017: Harvard Law Youngest "Woman Inspiring Change."
- 2017: Forbes 30 Under 30.
- 2017: Nobel Peace Prize Nominee.
- 2018: Nelson Mandela Foundation Nelson Mandela Changemaker Award.
- 2018: Canadian Meritorious Service Cross recipient.
- 2019: UCD James Joyce Award Recipient.
- 2019: Named one of the World's Top 20 Most Influential People in Gender Policy.
- 2024: Selected by Times as one of Time 100 Health cohort.
See Also
In Spanish: Alaa Murabit para niños
- List of peace activists
