Her Voice, Their Hope: Celebrating Women Humanitarians on World Humanitarian Day

Hayat, 23, volunteers with the Libyan Red Crescent in Bani Waleed. When she first joined, her choice was not always welcomed. Some in her community told her, “You’re a girl, stay home.” But Hayat kept showing up. With her family’s support—especially her father’s—she stayed committed, knowing she had something meaningful to give.

For Hayat, volunteering was never just a hobby. It was a responsibility. “Giving isn’t extra,” she said. “It’s something we owe each other.”

As she began her work, she noticed how often women were excluded or left without support. Families didn’t always know where to turn. Hayat decided to step in, to be what she calls a “bridge” between those in need and those who could help.

One of her first roles was at a local pharmacy. Many women felt uncomfortable speaking to male pharmacists about private health issues. Hayat stood beside them, helping them explain their needs. “Just standing with them gave them confidence,” she recalled. Her presence was often enough to make women feel supported.

On another occasion, she visited children in the kidney ward, bringing handmade cards to lift their spirits. A young girl looked at her and said, “We want to be like you.” That moment stayed with Hayat—it reminded her why her work mattered.

The path was not always easy. Some doubted her, but she chose to focus on the people she could help. “I didn’t do this for approval,” she explained. “I did it because someone needed me.”

Over time, her persistence paid off. Hayat became a team leader, training new volunteers and encouraging them to grow. For her, leadership was about listening, guiding, and making space for others’ ideas.

In December 2024, she took part in a Training of Trainers (ToT) program led by UN Women, the Ministry of Local Governance, and the Libyan Red Crescent. The training on women’s needs in humanitarian crises gave her practical tools she now applies in every visit and every conversation.

On this #WorldHumanitarianDay, Hayat stands as an example of the countless young women who embody the true spirit of humanitarian action. She speaks with calm, steady purpose, listens without judgment, and helps women feel seen and heard—never seeking recognition for herself, but always working for others.

Looking back, she says her work gave her more than she expected. “Humanitarian work shaped me,” she reflected. “It gave me a voice and a place in my country.”

Her story reminds us of the power of women’s leadership in humanitarian response. This World Humanitarian Day, we celebrate Hayat—and all those who, step by step, are changing their communities and building hope.