Alaa Murabit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alaa Murabit
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Alaa Murabit at the European Development Days in 2016
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| Born | 26 October 1989 Canada
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| Nationality | Canadian Libyan |
| Alma mater | London School of Economics and Political Science Al Zawiya University Harvard University |
| Occupation | Medical Doctor Security, Global Health & Development Strategist, Policy Advisor, Women's Rights Advocate |
| Known for | Founder Voice of Libyan Women Sustainable Development Goal Global Advocate United Nations High Level Commissioner TED Speaker Harvard & MIT Media Lab Fellow Gates Foundation |
| Board member of | Girls Not Brides Chair Women for Women International Gavi Malala Fund International Alert |
| Awards | TIME 100 Harvard Radcliffe Fellow Nobel Peace Prize Nominee (2012,2017) The Lancet Global Leader Harvard Law Woman Inspiring Change The New York Times TrustWomen Hero Forbes 30 Under 30 (See full list) |
| Honours | Meritorious Service Cross |
Alaa Murabit is a Libyan-Canadian doctor and a global leader who works to make the world a safer and healthier place. She is known for her work in health, peace, and women's rights. At just 21 years old, she founded the organization Voice of Libyan Women.
Murabit has worked closely with the United Nations (UN) to help create global policies. She was chosen as one of the 17 Global Advocates for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are goals set by the UN to solve major world problems like poverty and inequality. She has also helped raise billions of dollars for health projects around the world.
Her famous 2015 TED Talk, "What My Religion Really Says About Women," has been watched by millions. It was chosen as a TED Talk of the Day and praised by The New York Times.
For her incredible work, Murabit has received many honors. She was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME 100. She has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize twice.
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Early Life and Education
Alaa Murabit was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. She was the sixth of eleven children in her family. Her parents taught her about leadership and fairness between men and women from a young age.
She was a very bright student and finished high school when she was only fifteen. In 2005, she moved with her family to Zawiya, Libya. There, she studied to become a doctor at Al Zawiya University. During the Libyan War in 2011, she worked in hospitals and clinics, helping people who were hurt in the conflict.
After earning her medical degree in Libya, Murabit continued her studies. She earned a master's degree from the London School of Economics. She later became a fellow at Harvard University, where she studied how to build peace in communities.
Career Highlights
Voice of Libyan Women
During the Libyan Revolution in 2011, while still in medical school, Murabit started the Voice of Libyan Women (VLW). This group worked to make sure women were included in building peace during and after the war.
One of VLW's most important projects was the "Noor Campaign." This campaign worked with religious and community leaders to support women's rights. It showed that religion could be a powerful force for positive change. The campaign reached over 35 cities across Libya and was praised around the world.
Murabit believes that real peace starts in local communities. She has said, "The only real solution... is by building up people, by creating institutions, we break down wars."
Working with the United Nations
Murabit's work caught the attention of world leaders. In 2014, she began advising the United Nations on how to include women in peace and security efforts. In 2015, she was chosen to speak at the UN Security Council's 15th-anniversary meeting on this topic.
In 2016, the UN Secretary-General appointed her as an advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also served as a UN High-Level Commissioner, focusing on health and economic growth. She helped pass several important UN resolutions that support women in conflict zones and promote global health.
Global Leadership and Health
From 2019 to 2021, Murabit was the CEO of IMPACT 2030, an organization that encourages businesses to help achieve the SDGs. She also hosted a podcast called "At The Table," where she interviewed inspiring leaders like Malala Yousafzai.
In 2020, she joined the Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest charitable organizations. There, she led efforts in global policy and helped shape a $300 million fund for mothers' and children's health.
As of 2024, Murabit is the Chairperson of Girls Not Brides, a global partnership working to end child marriage. She continues to advise governments and organizations on health, peace, and sustainable development.
Honors and Awards
Alaa Murabit has been recognized all over the world for her leadership.
- In 2024, she was named to the TIME100 list of the most influential people.
- She was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2022.
- In 2018, she received the Meritorious Service Cross from the Canadian government, one of the country's highest honors.
- She was listed on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2017.
- She received the Women Inspiring Change Award from Harvard Law School in 2017.
- She has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize twice (2012 and 2017).
- She was named a TrustWomen Hero by The New York Times in 2013.
Murabit has written for many major publications, including The Boston Globe, Wired, and the Huffington Post. She continues to speak at major global events, sharing her vision for a more peaceful and equal world.
See also
In Spanish: Alaa Murabit para niños
- List of peace activists
