Nibras Basitkey

Nibras Basitkey

Nibras Basitkey

About

Nibras Basitkey was born and raised in northern Iraq. She is a Yazidi refugee who advocates for girls’ education and economic development in the Middle East. She is a program assistant at the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative, which aims to empower the next generation of Middle Eastern women leaders.

Nibras is passionate about using her education and experience to make a difference in the world. She is a vocal advocate for girls’ education and believes that it is essential to the economic development of the Middle East. She is also a strong supporter of the Yazidi people and has worked to raise awareness of the genocide that they have faced.

Nibras is a graduate of Creighton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration and economics. She is a fluent speaker of Kurdish (Sorani and Kurmanji dialects) and Arabic.

In addition to her work at the Atlantic Council, Nibras has also worked for the Malala Fund, the Free Yezidi Foundation, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, the Religious Freedom Institute, and the Iraq Mission to the United Nations.

 

Articles

Modernizing MENA education

MENA’s robust education system struggles to equip its 108 million youth (15-29 years old) for a growing job market. Despite substantial investments, a 70% workforce deficit in essential skills persists. Bridging the education-employment gap is crucial for long-term economic prosperity, as highlighted by a 2022 World Economic Forum report projecting significant economic benefits through strategic skill investments.

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I was once denied an education in Iraq

Afghan and Iraqi women confront barriers to education due to cultural norms, conflicts, and oppressive regimes. In Iraq, post-conflict challenges and social norms have left millions of children, especially girls, without proper education. The pandemic exacerbated the issue, with high dropout rates, particularly among females. In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s ban on female education jeopardizes recent progress in gender equality. Denying education to women and girls not only violates their rights but also impedes overall economic and social development.

Read more

Modernizing MENA education

MENA’s robust education system struggles to equip its 108 million youth (15-29 years old) for a growing job market. Despite substantial investments, a 70% workforce deficit in essential skills persists. Bridging the education-employment gap is crucial for long-term economic prosperity, as highlighted by a 2022 World Economic Forum report projecting significant economic benefits through strategic skill investments.

read more

I was once denied an education in Iraq

Afghan and Iraqi women confront barriers to education due to cultural norms, conflicts, and oppressive regimes. In Iraq, post-conflict challenges and social norms have left millions of children, especially girls, without proper education. The pandemic exacerbated the issue, with high dropout rates, particularly among females. In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s ban on female education jeopardizes recent progress in gender equality. 

Read more

Speaking Engagement

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