Biography:
Widad Akrawi is a Kurdish health expert and human rights activist. She was born into a secular family in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. From a young age, Akrawi resisted the efforts made by members of the Baath Party to induce her to join their ranks, resulting in her being blacklisted for a certain period of time. Her experiences during the Iraqi government offensive against the Kurds in 1974 and the Al-Anfal Campaign had a profound impact on her life and shaped her commitment to human rights.
In 1986, Akrawi moved to Erbil and enrolled at Salahaddin University to study civil engineering, specializing in designing roads and bridges. It was during this time that she began secretly documenting cases of torture and other human rights abuses throughout Iraq. The following year, she became actively involved in various struggles for human rights, peace, social justice, democratic governance, and ethnic reconciliation. Despite the risks and threats to her life and the lives of her family members, Akrawi fearlessly advocated against authoritarianism and denounced the use of excessive force against civilians.
After the devastating Al-Anfal Campaign, also known as the Kurdish Genocide, Akrawi’s dedication to human rights intensified. In 1990, she successfully completed her B.Sc. degree despite the challenging circumstances. Following the first Gulf War, when the Iraqi regime regained control of the Kurdistan region through an offensive in the spring of 1991, Akrawi’s determination to fight for justice and equality grew even stronger.
Throughout her career, Widad Akrawi has demonstrated her expertise in health issues and her dedication to the promotion and protection of human rights. She holds a master’s degree in genetics and a Ph.D. in international health and epidemiology. In addition to her academic achievements, Akrawi has co-founded the human rights organization Defend International. Through this organization, she has been involved in advocacy efforts related to illicit trade of small arms and light weapons, gender-based violence, chemical and biological disarmament, conventional disarmament, and international security.
Akrawi’s contributions and commitment to human rights have been recognized and honored with numerous awards. She was listed as one of the winners of the Fellowship of Reconciliation peace awards, where she was recognized as an outspoken peace activist and the first young woman of Middle Eastern descent to engage in advocacy relating to various global issues. In 2013, she was awarded the Special Prize for bridging the gap between civilisations by the National Organization for Future Generations, acknowledging her valuable contributions to humanity through the promotion of coexistence. The following year, Akrawi received the International Pfeffer Peace Award, which she dedicated to the residents of Kobane and Sinjar, as well as the persecuted Christians in the Middle East.
In 2017, Akrawi’s selfless commitment to human rights was further acknowledged when she was presented with the Davenport mayor medal and the Pacem in Terris Award. These prestigious awards recognized her tireless efforts in advocating for human rights for all individuals. In 2018, she received the International Simply Woman Harmony Award, honoring her lifelong dedication to defending human rights. In 2020, Akrawi was selected as a woman of the year, underscoring her significant contributions and impact on society.
Widad Akrawi’s life and work serve as an inspiration to individuals around the world. Her relentless pursuit of justice, advocacy for human rights, and commitment to improving health and well-being have made a lasting impact on society. Through her work, she continues to be a voice for the oppressed and a beacon of hope for those striving for equality and dignity.
Awards:
– Fellowship of Reconciliation peace awards
– Special Prize for bridging the gap between civilizations by the National Organization for Future Generations
– International Pfeffer Peace Award
– Davenport mayor medal
– Pacem in Terris Award
– International Simply Woman Harmony Award
– Woman of the Year 2020