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Uplifting Women Key to Humanity

Gradient Ocean

Brian Otieno

Oct 10, 2024

Iraq

Categories:

#Resilience #FemaleEmpowerment #Women #Iraq #War

Zainab Salbi’s journey to becoming a powerful advocate for women began in war-torn Iraq, where she experienced the resilience of women firsthand. Born and raised during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, Salbi saw how women, including her mother, kept life moving despite the chaos around them. Her mother’s puppet shows provided a sense of normalcy during air raids, a poignant memory that shaped Salbi's understanding of women's vital, yet often overlooked, role in maintaining society during conflict. Watching the media focus only on the war’s military aspects, she recognized that the women were "running the show" behind the scenes.


At age 20, Salbi left Iraq and moved to the U.S. When the Bosnian War began in 1992, she was inspired to act, co-founding "Women for Women International" to support survivors of gender-based violence. The charity has since reached over 500,000 women in conflict zones worldwide, providing economic support and fostering sister-to-sister connections. Salbi believes in empowering women through financial freedom, emphasizing that making choices restores dignity and independence. “Her choice. Her dignity. Her freedom” is the mantra behind her approach.


True to her values, Salbi stepped down as the leader of *Women for Women International* after two decades, fulfilling a personal promise to let go of power at the right time. Her commitment to gender equality, however, continued to drive her efforts. In 2015, she launched *The Nida’A Show*, a bold talk show tackling taboo topics such as female genital mutilation, sexual violence, and the rights of the transgender community in the Middle East and North Africa. Despite the backlash, Salbi remained steadfast in her mission, realizing that initiating change in her home region was her most challenging yet rewarding endeavor.


In 2022, Salbi co-founded "Daughters for Earth," a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering female leaders to combat climate change. The organization established a global advisory council of women and distributed $1 million to grassroots projects focused on regenerative and renewable innovations. Salbi believes women are already at the forefront of environmental solutions, particularly in agriculture, making up 43% of the labor force in developing countries. Her vision is to amplify their contributions, providing the resources and recognition they deserve.


As Salbi embarks on this new chapter, she sees it as her "third act" and envisions it becoming her most significant yet. She continues to inspire others, confident that women hold the key to creating a sustainable and equitable future for all. Time Magazine honored Zainab Salbi with its Time100 Impact Award for her contributions and positive impacts on humanity.


Here are ten simple and practical ways you can adopt in your community, inspired by Zainab Salbi, to bring about positive change:

1. Organize Community Storytelling Sessions: Host regular gatherings where community members, especially women, share personal stories to highlight their experiences and resilience. This fosters connection and understanding, empowering individuals through shared narratives.

2. Create Support Circles: Form small groups where women can meet to share challenges, offer advice, and support one another. This can help build community and solidarity, creating a safe space for open dialogue.

3. Facilitate Skill-Sharing Workshops: Encourage community members to teach each other skills they have, such as sewing, cooking, or gardening. This promotes learning and empowers individuals without any cost involved.

4. Start a Community Garden: Collaborate with neighbors to establish a communal garden. This provides fresh produce and fosters teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.

5. Advocate for Environmental Awareness: Organize local parks or river clean-up days. Educate community members about the importance of environmental stewardship and encourage them to take small steps in their daily lives, such as reducing waste or conserving water.

6. Launch a Reading and Discussion Group: Create a group focused on reading books or articles about gender equality, resilience, or community building. Discussing these topics can inspire participants and help them apply the lessons in their own lives.

7. Engage in Peaceful Dialogue: Host forums to discuss local issues affecting women or the community. Encourage respectful conversation to foster understanding and find collective solutions.

8. Promote Mental Health Awareness: Share resources on mental well-being and encourage open discussions about mental health challenges. This can help reduce stigma and create a supportive environment for those who need it.

9. Encourage Youth Leadership: Mentor young people in your community to take leadership roles in local projects. Help them identify their strengths and support them in initiating community improvement initiatives.

10. Utilize Social Media for Advocacy: Create a social media page or group focused on issues affecting your community, such as gender equality or climate change. Use this platform to share information, promote events, and inspire others to take action.


Implementing these actions can inspire change and foster a supportive and empowered community, echoing Zainab Salbi's impactful work. Remember, even small efforts can lead to significant transformations.


Photo Credit: Ahmed akacha on Pexels.

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Catalog #:

1024.113.01.101024

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