A Law Student from Iraq Finding Her voice Among Global Women

I am Maryam Alsbag, from Iraq :)

I am a Senior Law Student at The American University of Iraq, Baghdad, and an alumna of the United Nations Human Rights System program at American University in Washington, D.C., a member of IM Campus (International Mediation & ADR community), and a member of the American Society of International Law (ASIL).

I come from Iraq—a country deeply shaped by conflict, yet rich in resilience, knowledge, and untold stories, especially those of women. My academic and professional journey has been shaped through participation in regional and international programs focused on human rights, mediation, negotiation, peacebuilding, and post-conflict justice. These experiences allowed me to engage with global legal and policy spaces while remaining deeply connected to the realities faced by women in the Middle East.

Through these programs and networks, I became increasingly aware that women’s voices—particularly from conflict-affected regions—are often present in discussions but rarely delivered directly, structurally, or on their own terms. I learned that representation is not only about being included but about having the knowledge, tools, and platforms to speak with credibility and impact.

This realization fundamentally shaped my path and led me to establish the Women’s Legal Advocacy & Empowerment Club (WLAEC)—an academic, student-led initiative dedicated to women’s legal awareness, leadership development, and capacity-building through education, research, and dialogue. WLAEC was created as a safe, academic space where women and youth can learn, exchange experiences, and build the skills needed to deliver women’s voices in informed, ethical, and sustainable ways—both locally and internationally.

The Club reflects my belief that education and structured engagement, rather than activism alone, are the foundation of long-term empowerment in post-conflict societies. With a future vision to grow into professional offices after graduation, WLAEC aims to contribute to strengthening women’s participation, representation, and leadership, particularly for Middle Eastern women, whose perspectives deserve greater visibility and influence in global conversations.

I joined this community to share experiences, learn from women across cultures, build meaningful connections, and be part of a global network that believes in the power of knowledge, solidarity, and collective storytelling to create lasting change.

I believe in the power of shared stories and collective learning. If my journey resonates with you, feel free to reach out or join our growing community through the link below.

📧 maryam.alsbag@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-alsbag-881b922b0/