Nagham Nawzat Hasan — Yazidi gynecologist and human rights advocate

Background and context

The humanitarian emergency that followed the fall of Sinjar in 2014 left thousands of Yazidi civilians displaced, and many women and girls were abducted or subjected to sexual violence by fighters loyal to ISIS. As a member of the Yazidi community, Hasan responded by offering clinical services and culturally sensitive support to survivors who often faced silence and stigma. She has worked both in urban clinics and in camps for internally displaced people, traveling to reach women who could not come to formal facilities.

Work and methods

Hasan combines gynecological care with psychological support and community outreach. Her interventions typically include medical examinations, treatment for injuries and infections, reproductive health services, counseling or referral to mental health providers, and assistance with navigating humanitarian services. To reduce stigma she created public-awareness initiatives, including a campaign titled "I am Yezidi – I am against harassment", which encourages survivors to seek care and challenges social taboos.

Programs and contributions

• Clinical care: confidential gynecological exams and treatment for trauma-related conditions.
• Psychosocial support: counseling, group sessions and referral networks for mental health.
• Outreach: visits to displacement camps and community education to increase access to services.
• Advocacy: public speaking and cooperation with local and international organizations to highlight the needs of Yazidi survivors.

Her work has involved collaboration with health providers and human rights actors to document needs and improve service delivery for a population that faces ongoing security and social challenges.

Recognition and significance

Hasan's efforts earned international attention. The International Women of Courage Award highlighted her role in delivering frontline health care and advocating for survivors' rights. Her profile appears in regional and international reporting on the crisis affecting Yazidi communities, including discussions of the broader situation in Iraq and the Kurdish regions where many displaced Yazidis sought refuge. Coverage of her background often notes her Kurdish heritage and identity as a Yazidi activist and medical professional.

Challenges and legacy

Providing services in post-conflict settings has been constrained by limited resources, security concerns and cultural barriers. Hasan's model — combining clinical care with outreach and anti-stigma campaigns — illustrates a pragmatic approach to survivor-centered health care in such circumstances. Her work continues to be cited as an example of how community-rooted medical professionals can play a central role in both recovery and advocacy for populations affected by armed conflict.

For more contextual information about the regional events and the community she serves, see links on the fall of Sinjar, the actions of ISIS, and profiles of Yazidi survivors and advocates in medical and human rights reporting. Additional references and interviews appear in regional media and reports on humanitarian response in Iraq.

Brief external resources: Kurdish community context, medical and gender-based violence resources, and international awards and recognition listings at award records. For background on the conflict and displacement see ISIS-related reporting and accounts of the Sinjar events.