Nadia Abdu is of Eritrean-Sudanese heritage and grew up in Sudan, where she experienced systemic gender-based violence, including a forced marriage at a young age. In late 2018, due to escalating threats and personal circumstances, she was forced to flee the country. Though she left in search of safety, she was sold into captivity in southern Libya. Her subsequent years in Libya were marked by severe hardship, including trafficking, torture, extreme violence, capture at sea, arbitrary detention and loss. Despite enduring severe trauma, she remained resilient.

By 2021, Nadia had become an active voice in the refugee protests in Tripoli. Following the mass raid of Gargaresh on October 1, 2021, she joined hundreds of other refugees who sought safety and justice by peacefully demonstrating in front of the UNHCR headquarters. During the 100-day sit-in, Nadia served as a community representative and spokeswoman, advocating especially for the protection and dignity of refugee women.

In mid-2022, she was evacuated to Italy through the Sant’Egidio Humanitarian Corridor, a safe passage facilitated by the UNHCR. After facing significant insecurity and hardships in Italy, she ultimately sought protection in Germany, where she currently resides.

Nadia remains a committed advocate for refugee rights, particularly focusing on conditions in Libya, Tunisia, and Sudan. Through public events, advocacy, and solidarity networks across Europe, she continues to amplify the voices of those still trapped in cycles of violence and displacement.