Hibaaq Osman is a Somali activist, political strategist, and women’s rights and human rights defender. Since 2005 her work has been focused on Karama, a growing movement to end violence against women, and deliver sustainable, inclusive peace and democracy in African and the Arab world. Through Karama, Hibaaq has made it her mission to elevate the voices of grassroots women activists, raising their profiles and developing their skills as peacemakers and leaders. Karama’s guiding principle is ensuring that policies affecting women in the region are not simply responsive to the needs of women on the ground, but are designed and led by women and real representatives of the community. The aim is to put women in Africa and the Arab region at the centre of humanitarian response, conflict prevention and resolution, and promoting women’s participation in public life.Working at community-level, Karama’s recent activity has led to the establishment and flourishing of groups that have made a positive and lasting impact for women’s rights and human rights. Organizations such as Libyan Women’s Platform for Peace and the Syrian Women’s Forum for Peace continue to work on women’s rights and the participation of women in conflict resolution on a national basis, while the Arab Regional Network for Women, Peace and Security has become one of the most respected voices in its field for women across North Africa and the Middle East. Named one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims, Hibaaq is a member of numerous boards, including the UN Alliance of Civilizations Women’s Alliance for Peace. She has previously served as a member of UN Women’s Civil Society Advisory Panel, and the board of Donor Direct Action, and was made a senior fellow at the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership, Churchill College, University of Cambridge.