Samira Rashwan

Samira Rashwan

Founder, The Strategic Priorities Hub, and Peace and Security Expert and Youth Advocate, UN Women

Samira Rashwan is an expert in peace and security and a passionate advocate for youth. She holds advanced degrees in International Law and Development Cooperation, using her expertise to champion gender equality, social justice, and the critical advancement of humanitarian law and civilian protection. Rashwan has consistently demonstrated leadership in key initiatives, including those focused on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), climate change, and combating cyber-violence against women. Her deep understanding of international legal frameworks, particularly those related to humanitarian law, informs her strategic contributions to these vital areas. As the Founder and Managing Director of the Strategic Priorities Hub (SPH), Samira drives tangible positive change. She achieves this by integrating meticulous analysis, adaptable policy models, research, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. Under her leadership, SPH tackles complex policy challenges, with human rights forming a core area of focus. Beyond her work with SPH, she is an active researcher and advocate with the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). She contributes to CEDAW's ongoing work and promotes its broader implementation, especially concerning WPS and cyber-violence against women and girls. Her expertise also extends to supporting significant national and regional strategies across Egypt and the Arab world.

Articles by Samira Rashwan

  1. Raising visibility, respect, and protection for non-combatants in conflict zones

    Peace and securityGlobal, Middle East and Northern Africa

    Civilian protection in armed conflict remains more aspiration than reality, as recent crises expose deep flaws in the international system. To restore credibility, the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) – a global pledge to prevent mass atrocities – must evolve and be backed by bold reform, regional initiative, and political will