11 Arab women on BBC’s list of Most Inspiring Women of 2020

BBC revealed its list of 100 Most Influential Women for 2020, and the list remains number one without a specific name. He was awarded the “Unknown Heroine” in this exceptional year.

Due to the Corona epidemic, countless women from all over the world have made many sacrifices to help others, and many have lost their lives trying to make a difference through what they do.

Among the 100 names, 11 names came from Arab countries, which we will review here.

Nisreen Alwan – Iraqi / British

Nisreen is a UK-based public health practitioner and academic who researches women’s and children’s health, focusing on issues related to pregnancy.

During the outbreak of the Corona epidemic, awareness was spread about the need for countries not only to measure death rates, but also to study the long-term diseases caused by the virus (including long-term Covid disease). People suffering from long-term COVID-19 disease reported symptoms that included fatigue, headache and shortness of breath.

Dr. Nesrin says, “During 2020, I did three things more: I expressed my opinion more, did things that I feared, and I forgave myself. I also did less than do three things: caring about people’s opinion of me, blaming myself and believing that I am less valuable than Other than me. “

Safaa Qamari – Syria

As a scientist specializing in plant virology, Dr. Safaa Qamari worked on treatments for epidemics wreaking havoc on agricultural crops. After discovering seeds that can guarantee food security in her country, Syria, Dr. Safaa devoted with her life to save these seeds from the city of Aleppo.

Dr. ruled, The serenity of many years in the discovery of plant species resistant to viruses, including a family of beans that can fight yellow weevil virus (FBNYV).

Says Dr. Safaa: “The world has changed a lot in 2020. When it comes to overcoming such challenges, it is a matter of people’s capabilities, not the gender we belong to. Women have to believe that their contributions are equal to those of men.”

Nadine Ashraf – Egypt

Nadine Ashraf studies philosophy and believes in social media as a tool for change. It has a great enthusiasm for disseminating knowledge so that it is available to the general public.

She is the founder of an Instagram page called “Assault Police,” through which she participates with Egyptian women by posting stories about harassment incidents they have experienced. The feminist movement now considers her an essential person in social change and the struggle against sexual harassment.

“I grew up surrounded by women who dedicated their lives to pushing for change, and I never thought that I would be able to raise their voices more. You can always achieve what you believe in,” says Nadine.

“I want him to be an example for everyone because our men are not afraid.”

Iman Ghaleb Al Hameli – Yemen

Iman runs a group of ten women who installed a solar power plant to provide clean, low-impact energy. This station is only about 20 miles from the front line between the parties to the civil war in Yemen.

This mini-network is one of three networks established by the United Nations Development Program in non-network areas in Yemen. It is the only network that is completely managed by women. Initially, Iman’s team was ridiculed for doing the men’s work, yet they gained the respect of their community, earned a sustainable income and developed new professional skills.

“My message to all Yemeni girls is to fulfill their dreams. They must strive with confidence, and challenge all the difficulties they will face in their lives, to achieve these dreams,” Eman says.

Elwad Elman – Somalia

She is a young leader at the forefront of peacemaking in Somalia, with international weight in ending conflict and reconciliation between local communities.

When she was 20 years old, she helped found the first Rape Crisis Center. Over the past decade, Elwad has become a champion of peacemaking thanks to her endeavors to give everyone affected, especially women and girls, a seat at the dialogue table for an opinion.

“The epidemic provided a quick lesson to the world in the meaning of empathy,” she says. “We have seen women taking leadership positions, while others have failed to do so. It is not permissible anymore to treat women leaders as a second option, but rather they must become the priority.”

Morshad’s life – Lebanon

Life of Morshad

Feminist activist and journalist Hayat Morshad is one of the founders of Fe-Male, a pioneering feminist collective movement in Lebanon. Hayat devotes her time and effort to ensuring that women have access to justice, information, protection and rights.

Hayat is spreading its message through several platforms, including the organization of rallies covering the whole country, urging the public to stand up to the corrupt patriarchal regimes, and to demand change.

Hayat says, “Despite all the hardships and obstacles, women have struggled throughout history challenging the patriarchal system. We will continue this struggle through solidarity, sisterhood and love, and we will raise our voices and reinforce our demands for a future dominated by justice and gender equality.”

Hoda Abouz – Morocco

Hoda Abouz, known artistically as Your Sister, is a Moroccan rapper who is known for her unique style and the distinct lyrics of her songs.

She advocates for women’s rights and gender justice. Hoda, who works in an atmosphere dominated by men, considers her music a tool for change.

“Keep fighting, creativity and resistance – never back down. Our battle has begun,” she says .