Born: 1989 (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada)
Biography:
Alaa Murabit M.D. is a Libyan-Canadian physician, a globally recognized advocate, and an influential figure in the field of women’s rights and global policy. She has made significant contributions to the advancement of gender equality and women’s empowerment, both in her home country of Libya and on a global scale.
Born on October 26, 1989, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Alaa Murabit grew up in a large family as the sixth of eleven children. Her father, a doctor, instilled in her the value of education and the importance of gender equality. Murabit has often credited her parents’ equal treatment of her and her brothers as crucial in shaping her perspective on social justice.
After completing high school at the young age of fifteen, Murabit relocated with some family members to Zawiya, Libya, in 2005. It was during her time in Libya that she witnessed firsthand the oppressive conditions faced by women in her community. Motivated to bring about change, she enrolled at the College of Medicine at Al Zawiya University in 2006.
While studying at Al Zawiya University, Murabit became involved in activism and advocacy work. In 2011, at the age of 21, she founded Voice of Libyan Women (VLW), a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting women’s rights and equality in Libya. Under her leadership, VLW worked tirelessly to challenge discriminatory practices and empower women to actively participate in rebuilding their country after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.
Driven by her passion for health, women’s rights, and diplomacy, Murabit obtained her Medical Doctorate from Al Zawiya University in 2013. She furthered her education by pursuing a Masters in International Strategy and Diplomacy with Distinction from the London School of Economics in 2016. Armed with her medical and diplomatic expertise, Murabit embarked on a mission to effect change at the global level.
Throughout her career, Alaa Murabit has held various positions and received noteworthy accolades. She co-founded The Omnis Institute, an independent non-profit organization that empowers emerging leaders to address critical global challenges. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was appointed as one of 17 Global Sustainable Development Goals Advocates by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Additionally, she serves as a UN High-Level Commissioner on Health Employment and Economic Growth.
Murabit’s influential voice extends beyond the realms of policy and diplomacy. Her compelling TED Talk, What my religion really says about women, released in July 2015, has garnered over nine million views on TED.com and YouTube combined. The talk explores the misconceptions surrounding women’s rights within the context of religion and has become a source of inspiration for individuals worldwide.
Alaa Murabit’s impact on society and gender equality has been widely recognized. She has been named as one of the Top 20 of the World’s 100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy, alongside renowned figures such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Melinda Gates, and Michelle Obama. Her leadership in global policy and security led to her being named the youngest 2017 Woman Inspiring Change by Harvard Law.
In addition, Murabit has received numerous awards and honors for her tireless commitment to humanitarian efforts and advocacy. She was bestowed the Marisa Bellisario International Humanitarian award by the Italian Government, recognized as the 2014 International TrustWomen Hero by The New York Times, and featured as one of Newsweek’s 25 Women Under 25 to Watch. The BBC and SAFE Global Hero also acknowledged her as a 100 Top Woman and a Global Hero, respectively. Furthermore, she has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Alaa Murabit’s unwavering dedication to empowering women, promoting gender equality, and addressing critical global issues has solidified her place as a prominent figure in women’s history. Through her work, she continues to inspire future generations to challenge social norms, advocate for justice, and create a more inclusive and equitable world.
Awards:
– Meritorious Service Cross recipient
– Forbes 30 Under 30
– UCD James Joyce Award recipient
– Named one of Canada’s 100 most impactful women in history