Thoraya Obaid

Overview

Thoraya Ahmed Obaid born Baghdad, Iraq March 2, 1945. Saudi Arabian Director of UN Population Fund, 2001-10. Began first women’s development program in Western Asia, 1975.

Quotations

"Increased political will is needed to ensure that women and girls receive real protection from sexual violence and abuse in their homes and communities.” (UN Security Council, Oct. 28, 2004)

“When women and girls suffer deep discrimination, they are more vulnerable to the worst effects of disaster or war, including rape and less likely to contribute to peacebuilding, which threatens long-term recovery.” (State of World Population, 2010; photo UNFPA)