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Saudi Arabia

Saudi ArabiaArcherAstronaut

Rayyanah Barnawi

Rayyanah Barnawi is a prominent biomedical researcher and the first Saudi female astronaut. Her selection for Axiom Mission 2 marked a historic milestone for Saudi Arabia and women in space. With a strong educational foundation and expertise in cancer stem cell research, Barnawi’s groundbreaking achievements have inspired aspiring female scientists and astronauts.

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Saudi ArabiaActivistBiologist

Loujain al-Hathloul

Loujain al-Hathloul is a Saudi women’s rights activist who has been at the forefront of the fight for gender equality in Saudi Arabia. Despite facing arrests and detentions, she remains resilient in her mission to defy the ban on women driving and challenge the male guardianship system. Recognized globally for her activism, al-Hathloul has received numerous awards and nominations, including the 2019 PEN America/Barbey Freedom to Write Award and being named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2019”.

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Saudi ArabiaActivist

Iffat bint Mohammad Al Thunayan

Queen Iffat, a Turkish-born Saudi princess, dedicated her life to the improvement of Saudi education. As the prominent wife of King Faisal, she played a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of the country. Her commitment to providing quality education for both boys and girls and her support for her husband’s leadership make her an inspiring figure in Saudi Arabia’s history.

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Saudi ArabiaPhysicist

Ibtesam Badhrees

Ibtesam Saeed Badhrees, a research scientist in experimental particle physics, is recognized for her contributions to the field and for breaking gender barriers as the first Saudi woman at CERN. She has a Bachelor of Science in Physics from King Abdulaziz University and a PhD in Particle Physics from the University of Bern. Her research spans various subfields of physics, and she serves as an adjunct professor at Carleton University. Badhrees has received numerous awards for her outstanding academic achievements and is an inspiration for aspiring scientists, especially women.

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Saudi ArabiaActivistWriter

Manal al-Sharif

Manal al-Sharif is a renowned Saudi women’s rights activist who helped propel the right to drive campaign in 2011. Her bold defiance of the driving ban sparked a national conversation about women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. Despite detainment and re-arrest, al-Sharif continued to advocate for human rights, earning recognition from prominent outlets. She also published a book, “Daring to Drive,” which recounts her personal journey and fight for women’s rights. Her unwavering determination has inspired countless individuals worldwide.

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Saudi ArabiaActivist

Samar Badawi

Samar bint Muhammad Badawi, a Saudi Arabian human rights activist, has made a significant impact advocating for women’s rights and challenging the male guardianship system in Saudi Arabia. Her activism began when she and her father filed court cases against each other, leading to her imprisonment in 2010. Despite facing challenges and arrests, Badawi continues to fight for women’s rights and has been recognized for her contributions in this field.

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