Neshtman Khalaf
2026 Fellow
CEO, GAV
Focus Areas
Neshtman Khalaf is the Founder and CEO of GAV Organization for Relief and Development, where she leads initiatives that promote women’s political participation, feminist research, peacebuilding and community development in Syria through research, advocacy and partnerships with local and international organizations.
Through GAV, she has authored research studies and policy papers on women’s political and economic participation, sustainable development and climate change. She has also contributed to establishing feminist platforms that strengthen women’s leadership and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 5, 8, 13 and 16. One of her proudest achievements was representing Syrian women at international forums, including speaking at the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68).
She is committed to advancing gender equality by transforming research into policies that create lasting impact for women and their communities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Damascus and pursued postgraduate studies in Political Economy, which continue to inform her work in leadership, research and advocacy.