Nishtiman Awsman is working toward her master’s degree in sociology with a concentration in criminology. Born and raised in Sinjar, Iraq, she is passionate about gender equality and human rights. She graduated from the American University of Iraq-Sulaymaniyah, majoring in civil engineering and minoring in gender studies. As an undergraduate, she interned at the American University’s Center for Gender and Development Studies (CGDS). For the past four years, Nishtiman has worked with different local NGOs in Sinjar. As a case manager and later as a protection manager with Nadi Murad’s Initiative, she managed a project called Interim Reparations for the Yazidi survivors of ISIS captivity. At Bellwether International, Nishtiman oversaw and managed the organization’s projects supporting the Yazidi community in Iraq with mental health, education, and human rights efforts. Nishtiman is fluent in English, Arabic, and Kurmanji.

Interest Areas:  Gender, Sexuality, Human Rights, Criminology, Social Justice.