In 2017, she was presented with the Davenport mayor medal and the Pacem in Terris Award for 'her selfless commitment to human rights for all.' When she received the International Pfeffer Peace Award in 2014, she dedicated it to the residents of Kobane and Sinjar and the persecuted Christians in the Middle East. In 2013, Akreyi was awarded the 'Special Prize for bridging the gap between civilisations' by the National Organisation for Future Generations for making valuable contributions to humanity through the creation of a culture of coexistence. She has been listed as one of the winners of the Fellowship of Reconciliation peace awards, where she was called 'outspoken peace activist' and the 'first young woman of Middle Eastern descent' to engage in advocacy relating to illicit trade of small arms and light weapons, gender-based violence, chemical and biological disarmament, conventional disarmament and international security. Violations of human rights that occurred during the Iraqi government offensive against the Kurds in 1974, as well as during the Al-Anfal Campaign are thought to have shaped her life. She has co-founded the human rights organization Defend International and is the author of several books about both health issues and human rights.Īkreyi holds a master's degree in genetics and a PhD in international health and epidemiology.

Widad Akreyi is a Kurdish health expert and human rights activist. Special Prize for bridging gap between cultures.Genetics and inherited disease (M.A.) Global health and cancer epidemiology (PhD)Īdvocate for human rights, peace and justice, author, Arms Trade Treaty, UN Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, UN Resolution 2117

Females of Valor by Widad Akreyi