Laura Elhayek holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights from the University of Sussex in England and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Al Azhar University of Gaza in Palestine. Laura currently serves as a Women, Peace, Security, and Humanitarian Action Programme Associate at UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States, where she supports gender equality and peacebuilding initiatives across conflict-affected countries. Prior to this role, she worked with the UN Women Palestine Country Office, contributing to programmes that support women in some of the region’s most challenging humanitarian contexts.

Growing up and working in Palestine—under conditions of occupation, blockade, repeated violence, and most recently the genocide—has deeply shaped Laura’s commitment to supporting people affected by war and displacement. Her lived experience fuels her dedication to inclusive peacebuilding and to helping communities, especially women and girls, recover and rebuild with dignity.

With nearly five years of experience in international human rights organizations—including the Euro-Mediterranean Monitor for Human Rights, ImpACT International for Human Rights Policies, and ALQST for Human Rights—Laura has developed strong expertise in research, advocacy, and programme coordination.

Deeply committed to human rights and philanthropy, she focuses on supporting marginalized communities in conflict zones to realize their rights, reclaim their voices, and lead transformative change.