Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Leadership Council Member

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon (she/her) is an American journalist, author, and public speaker, best known for her work on women’s rights and entrepreneurship in conflict and post-conflict zones. She has been a leading voice in the movement to empower women in countries affected by war and violence, and her reporting has shed light on the important role that women can play in building peace and stability in these regions.

Lemmon began her career as a journalist, working as a producer for ABC News and later as a freelance writer for various publications, including Newsweek and The New York Times. She first gained international recognition with her book “The Dressmaker of Khair Khana”, which tells the story of a young Afghan woman who started a business under Taliban rule. The book was a bestseller and was widely praised for its insight into the lives of Afghan women.

Since the publication of “The Dressmaker of Khair Khana”, Lemmon has continued to be an influential voice in the global movement for women’s empowerment. She has written extensively on the role of women in conflict and post-conflict zones, and has worked with a number of organizations to promote women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment around the world. She is also a sought-after public speaker, and has delivered talks on women’s rights and entrepreneurship at events around the world.

Lemmon’s work has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Council on Foreign Relations’ International Affairs Fellowship and the White House Champion of Change award. She continues to be a leading voice in the movement for women’s empowerment, and her reporting and advocacy have inspired countless women around the world to pursue their dreams and build better lives for themselves and their communities.