Hibaaq Osman is a global political strategist who has lived in Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen, Egypt, and the United States.
Building institutions to promote peace, democracy, human rights, and women’s rights around the world, she honors local knowledge and experience. By amplifying and expanding existing initiatives, she supports instead of imports alternate ideas.
Born in Somalia and based in Cairo since 2005, Osman leads three regional organizations working to end violence against women in the Arab region: Karama, the Global Dignity Fund, and the Think Tank for Arab Women. Additionally, she has launched civil society organizations in Libya, Syria, and Yemen.
She is also is a member of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Committee for Peace and Security at the League of Arab States. And she is a member of various boards and committees, including the UN Women’s Global Civil Society Advisory Group and Donor Direct Action.
Osman was named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University. Her vision has redefined activism and opportunity in the Arab region, putting forth a new global agenda for investing in women.