Iraq

Transcending the shadow of her family's proximity to Saddam Hussein's regime, Zainab Salbi's trajectory evolves from aiding women in conflict to spearheading climate activism. After overcoming a life-threatening illness, Salbi redirected her energy towards protecting the environment, seeing it as a debt of gratitude to the Earth for her survival. Growing up amidst Iraq's tumult, she witnessed the overlooked role of women in conflict. Founding Women for Women International at just 23, Salbi uplifted countless survivors globally. Now, through Daughters for Earth, she champions women's pivotal role in tackling climate crises, redirecting funds to women-led initiatives worldwide. Rejecting the term "empowerment," Salbi emphasizes the necessity of amplifying women's inherent strength in safeguarding our planet—a testament to her unwavering dedication to transformative action and inclusion.