Is there a link between female leadership and upholding human rights? During this HagueTalks we will hear stories of three inspiring speakers from different countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region. They are using imagination and innovation to promote knowledge and sensitivity towards a more equal, just and peaceful world. A wake up call to us all.

• Khanim Latif from Iraq, the director of the Asuda Organisation, is combatting violence against women especially in the Kurdistan region. She feels that protecting women in the short term is one thing but changing societies’ mentality is the only way to ensure the safety and freedom in Iraq in the long term.
• Radhya Al-Mutawakel from Yemen, co-founder and chairperson of the Yemeni Mwatana Organization for Human Rights, is conducting investigative field research and documentation about the atrocities continuously going on in Yemen. She is one of Time magazine’s 2019 most influential people in the world.
• Ghida Anani from Lebanon, is founder and director of the ABAAD-Resource Center for Gender Equality, striving for equal rights and elimination of violence against women. She has been awarded by the Worldbank in 2018 as one of 10 inspiring women entrepreneurs making a difference across MENA.
• The moderator is Sahar Shirzad. Sahar has a study background in International law, with a specialization in human rights. Since 2016, Sahar has been actively moderating programs and events on social issues. With this she wants to be an example for other young women and to inspire them to take the lead in public conversations. Sahar is also the creator of The Refugee Millennials, a platform where young people with a bi-cultural background can engage with each other.