Dr. Widad Akreyi, the driving force behind Defend International, Honored as Woman of the Year 2020
To be invited is, in itself, an accolade. As someone who has been such an inspiration to others, we really do hope that you will be able to attend.
— Catherine Roe, Chair of Women of the Year
OSLO-LONDON — Dr. Widad Akreyi, the executive founder steering Defend International’s vision, has been formally named a Woman of the Year 2020, an accolade celebrating her extensive international achievements in safeguarding human security and advancing global public health. Due to international public health restrictions enacted during the pandemic, the traditional London celebratory assembly was transitioned into a specialized virtual summit.
Distinguished for her structural advocacy against gender-based violence, the illicit conventional arms trade, and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, Dr. Akreyi’s career spans over three decades of frontline human rights defense. Her strategic diplomatic initiatives have directly supported the structural adoption of three major United Nations frameworks: the UN Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, and UN Security Council Resolution 2117 addressing small arms control.
An expert epidemiologist, academic peer-reviewer, and author holding a PhD in Global Health and Cancer Epidemiology alongside a Master’s degree in Genetics, Dr. Akreyi continues to serve as an authoritative global voice for marginalized populations.
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About Dr. Widad Akreyi
Dr. Widad Akreyi is a preeminent global health expert, peacebuilder, and international humanitarian. Originally from Kurdistan, she holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and a PhD in Global Health and Cancer Epidemiology. Dr. Akreyi has served on the executive boards of prominent international bodies, including Amnesty International and Education for Global Peace.
Her strategic diplomatic initiatives have directly supported the structural adoption of three major United Nations frameworks: the UN Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, and UN Security Council Resolution 2117 addressing small arms control. Additionally, she has served as an official ambassador for international campaigns targeting the absolute eradication of torture and gender-based violence.
About Women of the Year
Based in the United Kingdom, Women of the Year is a prestigious institutional honors framework established to celebrate extraordinary women across diverse societal sectors. Selection is determined by strict peer-review metrics evaluating a nominee’s localized and global contributions to human rights, scientific advancement, social justice, and public service.