Zainab Salbi is a leading figure in the effort to empower women and combat gender-based violence in conflict zones.
As a women’s rights activist, author, and media commentator, she has dedicated herself to promoting women’s empowerment and advocating for human rights.
Let’s find out about her work to provide support women in war-torn countries, which started with the Bosnian War.
The Impact of Gender Based Violence in the Bosnian War
The Bosnian War broke out on April 16, 1992.
This war was an ethnic and religious conflict intertwined among Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslim), Croats (Catholic), and Serbs (Orthodox).
As a result of this war, 1.6 million people became refugees, and 300,000 were killed.
And the biggest victim of the war were women.
Thousands of women became victims of rape, sexual slavery, and other forms of sexual violence.
Those who survived the 3-year war suffered from physical and psychological trauma with long lasting effects.
Zainab Salbi founds Women for Women International
“The quickest way to help the victims is to teach them a self-directed life.”
Zainab Salbi
Shocked to learn about the rape and concentration camps in Bosnia, a 23-year old Zainab Salbi founded Women for Women International (WfWI) in 1993.
She believed what the women survivors need are the tools and resources to rebuild their lives.
Along with international aid, WfWI provides education and training programs to women survivors of warn and conflict.
It provides education on women’s rights and health, as well as vocational and business skills training.
Through these programs, 61,911 Bosnian women gained economic opportunities after the war. Moreover, women are building leadership skills and becoming active members of their communities, playing a key role in rebuilding the Bosnian economy.
Why do women in conflict areas need support?
Women in conflict zones experience the greatest deprivation of their rights.
“Nevertheless, I can’t pretend not to see women trying to get on with their lives.”
That is the reason why WfWI expanded its reach to other nations to aid women who have had their human rights stripped away.
75% of women get married before the age of 18
60% of women are abused by their husbands
70% of women are forced to experience female genital mutilation (FGM)
These numbers highlight the devastating impact of gender-based violence in conflict-affected countries such as Afghanistan, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Read about Gender-based violence in Afghanistan: The endless suffering of women in Afghanistan – Peace Issue – NEWS & INSIGHTS – Sunhak Peace Prize
Educating Women Survivors of War
“Women can be safe from violence if they have economic power.”
Zainab Salbi
Salbi prioritizes building schools in conflict countries.
In war, women are often forced into labor for low or no pay, but excluded from decision-making post-war.
To combat this, Salbi has educated 300,000 women in 14 conflict countries, empowering them to play key roles in rebuilding society.
Regions where WfWI operates
Nida’s Show: Stories of Women in Conflict Areas
In 2015, Zainab Salbi started hosting her own TV talk show to promote hope and success stories for women in conflict areas.
The mainstream media portrayed women in a negative and hopeless light.
But Salbi interviewed progressive, innovative, and courageous women such as a Palestinian racing car driver, Saudi Arabian stand-up comedian, an Arab rapper, and a regional fashion designer.
The Nida’s Show broadcasted their inspiring stories in 22 Arab countries, offering hope amidst conflict.
During wartime, the power imbalance between men and women intensifies. And women often remain silent.
However, it is often women who rebuild society and their lives after conflict. Zainab Salbi serves as a role model, reporter, and mentor for women’s rights, guiding them on a path to regain their rights.
Learn more about gender equality: How Can We Achieve Gender Equality – Sunhak Peace Blog
From Mother of Peace Hak Ja Han, Founder of the Sunhak Peace Prize
“A society that fails to uplift the voices of women cannot
achieve true peace and justice.”