She Inspires Me

This photo was taken in June last year, when I headed over to Kosovo to learn more about the programme Women for Women International run there. I'm on the left, and the woman on the right is Iliriana Jaka Gashi, Women For Women International's Kosovo Country Director.

This picture has gone up on all of our social channels today in celebration of International Women's Day and the #SheInspiresMe campaign to recognise women all over the world. Illiriana inspires me for so many reasons, not least because her life as a doctor was turned upside down when war broke in Kosovo in 1999. She became a refugee, leaving the life she'd built herself in ruins because of the war. Her experiences from what it is to survive bitter combat and striving to reassemble life in the wake of it have led her to dedicate her life to helping other women re-establish their independence, dignity and view of a brighter future. She gave up all of her time for me while I was in Kosovo to educate me in all that happened in 1999, and introduce me to dozens of other amazing women with their own stories. I was so struck by Illiriana's warmth and strength, her selflessness, her positivity, her dedication, and as you can tell from this photo, her humour. We got the giggles during this photoshoot and just couldn't stop laughing. For that alone, with everything Illirana has been through and sruvived, she is one of the most inspiring people I've ever met. Happy International Women's Day, everybody.