Hadja Lahbib

Hadja Lahbib's career is marked by a series of firsts and historic transitions. She was the first woman of Algerian descent to serve as Belgium's Foreign Minister. Her shift from war correspondent to top diplomat is rare in Belgian politics. As a journalist, she reported from some of the most dangerous places on earth, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Gaza, often as one of the few female correspondents on the ground. Her documentary Le Jardin d'Asha was praised for its nuanced portrayal of Afghan women. In her current role as European Commissioner, she oversees the EU's crisis preparedness and equality agendas, shaping policy that affects 450 million people.