Mirna El Helbawi, an Egyptian journalist, writer, podcaster, and activist, founded Connecting Humanity, a non-profit organization that provides access to the Internet for people in Gaza using donated eSIMs. She was nominated for the Arab Journalism Award in 2016 and has interviewed international public figures, including Vinton Cerf. Mirna’s debut novel, ‘Mor Methl Al Qahwa, Helw Methl Al Chocola’ was published in 2018, and she also hosts the podcast Helbing.
Initially a journalist covering news, politics, society, and lifestyle, Mirna gained recognition for exclusive interviews with prominent figures. She left her managing editor position in 2016 and coped with the feeling of emptiness by focusing on writing about her solo travels. This led to her first book being published when she turned 25, marking the beginning of her writing journey.
Mirna’s second book, ‘Kundalini,’ was inspired by her visit to Mumbai and combines elements from her life experiences. The novel’s success led to plans for a film adaptation, with limited involvement in the screenplay. Mirna aims for her writings to have a global impact, representing the Arab world’s culture through her work and focusing on human experiences that transcend cultural boundaries.
As an activist, Mirna initiated the eSIMs for Gaza project to provide communication access during a blackout. Over 400,000 eSIMs have been sent to Gaza, and Connecting Humanity aims to become an official NGO to expand its donation options. Mirna’s efforts with the organization have been acknowledged by The Electronic Frontier Foundation, recognizing her dedication to promoting freedom of speech and Internet access.
Despite concerns about balancing activism with her writing career, Mirna remains committed to causes she believes in. Her work extends to media projects, such as a BBC documentary on Egypt’s perfume industry, highlighting social issues through journalism. Mirna views herself as a ‘jill of all trades,’ finding fulfillment in humanitarian work, media projects, and novel writing.
Mirna’s upcoming historical fiction novel reflects years of research and pre-writing effort, showcasing her ability to capture human emotions and experiences. She emphasizes the importance of books in a digital age, believing in their power to offer perspective and reflection. With plans for her new novel to be published in 2024 or 2025, Mirna continues to explore various genres while staying true to her unique writing style and voice.
