Zainab Bani Atta: From activist to first deputy mayor of Al-Shafa

Zainab Bani Atta is a model of rural female leadership who has transformed determination and perseverance into an effective presence in municipal and community work. Zainab grew up in a simple environment where the values ​​of giving and responsibility were instilled in her, and these values ​​became the foundation of her journey in serving her community.

In 2017, Zainab embarked on her first electoral experience within the women’s quota for the Al-Shafa Municipal Council, but she opted for open competition, earning the trust of her community and winning the election. This was a remarkable achievement that affirmed the ability of rural women to gain public trust through merit. In the following term, she repeated this success, becoming Deputy Mayor of Al-Shafa and later serving as Acting Mayor, a move that demonstrated that leadership is not determined by gender but by competence and dedication.

On the social front, Zainab is known for her extensive activism and participation in development and charitable initiatives, where she works to support productive families, empower women in rural areas, and expand collaborative efforts to serve the community. She is an active member of several associations and part of the Kingdom’s leading network of women leaders.

Zainab’s joining the Rural Women’s Forum – Intermediaries of Change Center for Sustainable Development played a strategic role in advancing her career. She participated in various capacity-building programs in leadership, development planning, project management, and advocacy for women’s issues. This affiliation also helped her develop her communication skills, engage the community in municipal work, and build a national network of relationships that supported her leadership presence.

These programs enabled her to improve her performance within the municipal council and expand her social influence, which was reflected in the level of services and initiatives she launched in cooperation with the local community. They also helped her strengthen the role of rural women in decision-making and open the door for their participation in development efforts.

Today, Zainab Bani Atta is a role model for women who combine field experience with a developmental vision, proving that true empowerment begins in villages and small towns when women receive support, trust, and opportunities.