The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) – FICCI FLO has been conducting an event called “Eminent Women Series” where women public figures share their story of success against all odds. Having already conducted three series successfully, the latest one saw Zainab Salbi, the Iraqi born Humanitarian, Author, Media Host & Founder of Women for Women International giving an insight of her traumatic childhood days in the war-torn nation of Iraq, her family’s connection with late Saddam Hussein (Dictator of Iraq) and an arranged marriage to an Iraqi-American which turned out to be abusive.
The session was facilitated by Flo Coimbatore Chapter introducing the guest along with other members of the FICCI FLO organisation was Preethika Balaji, Chairperson, FLO Coimbatore Chapter.
The entire conversation was moderated by Fatima Mehdi Karan, Business Editor & Anchor. The current President of FICCI FLO is Jahnabi Phookan. The 37th President of FLO welcomed the guest, governing body and the Flo members. In her speech she applauded the guest and her achievements.
The enthralling conversation revealed Zainab’s traumatic early years, her escape from an abusive marriage, founding of “Women For Women organisation” dedicated to women war survivors, letting go of anger in terms of leadership and understanding others, her own evolution as a person while traveling across different parts of the world, impacts of polarized world, toxic masculinity leadership and the economic injustice.
Salbi started an organisation called women for women at the age of 23 to uplift the women survivors of war. She worked in 8 conflict areas and improved the life style of more than 460,00,00 women and pumped in 100 million US dollars directly and indirectly that lifted up 1.7 million family members. What made her to achieve this particularly on the welfare of women?
Yes, it was a nightmare took place in her life in Iraq. A young girl who was taught by the mother about good touch and bad touch, was forced to keep quiet under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein who was gaurded by her own father. Yes, it was Zainab salbi herself.
It made her to take a U turn to help the vulnerable women folk, particularly affected by war which she also suffered during the Iran-Iraq war. According to her not all the men are bad. There are good and as a proof she tells her good experience in Afghanistan with Taliban’s. Her concern over economic injustice reflects in her words. According to her, giving money to the poor alone will not lift them up but we should listen to their problems truly especially of the women’s.
The most important message here that was shared when she said ,” when a woman shares her story she becomes a candle to other women and tells her you are not alone, let us move out of the darkness together.” According to her the secret sauce to helping women is “Inspiration” and she definitely is the epitome of it!! The conversation ended with a Vote of Thanks by Jayanti Dalmia, Vice-President, FICCI FLO.