Hanaa Edwar

[2] Edwar had spent a decade in Eastern Berlin, but was unable to return to Iraq due to Saddam Hussein's regime and was essentially exiled to live in Syria.

Edwar would return to Iraq shortly after the 2003 U.S led invasion to establish her organization Al-Amal which translates to hope in english.

[3] During her time as an advocate, she has led countless campaigns for gender equality, including efforts to advance women's role in drafting the country's new constitution in 2005.

[4] In June 2011 she interrupted a government television conference to challenge Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki about the army having arrested four protestors.

[9] Al-Amal focuses on building peace, promoting human rights, and sustainable development in Iraq.