However, her dreams were shattered when ISIS fighters invaded her village in 2014, killing her mother, siblings, relatives, and friends. Nadia herself was captured and subjected to unimaginable horrors, enduring captivity and rape for nearly three months before escaping and resettling in Germany in 2015.
Mission to protect survivors
Despite the trauma she endured, Nadia has turned her pain into purpose. Today, at 30 years old, she channels her experiences into advocacy for survivors of genocide and sexual violence. As the president and chairwoman of the nonprofit Nadia’s Initiative, which receives support from the Postcode Lottery in the Netherlands, Britain, and Sweden, she tirelessly lobbies governments and international organisations on behalf of those in crisis. Her advocacy focuses on policy reform and securing resources for community rebuilding. Her efforts have made a profound impact on the world stage, earning her a New York Times bestseller for her memoir in 2017 and the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018.
Nadia's dedication to justice knows no bounds. In December, she emerged as the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Lafarge, a French cement conglomerate that pleaded guilty to funding ISIS. With the support of human-rights attorney Amal Clooney, Nadia and her Nadia’s Initiative continue to fight for accountability and justice for her people.
Make a difference
In addition to her advocacy work, Nadia is set to become the first person in her family to graduate from college May this year, earning a sociology degree from American University. Despite the challenges she has faced, Nadia remains determined to make a difference in the world, one small step at a time.
We are incredibly proud to have Nadia Murad as part of the Postcode Lotteries family. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice inspire us all to strive for a better world.
