“Architecture is particularly difficult for women; there's no reason for it to be. I don't want to blame men or society, but I think it was for a long time, the clients were men, the building industry is all male.”

Iraqi and British architect, artist, and designer

Dame Zaha Hadid was an Iraqi and British architect, artist, and designer. Born in Baghdad in 1950, she became a leading figure in late 20th and early 21st century architecture. She studied mathematics before entering the Architectural Association School of Architecture in 1972. Her work was shaped by Suprematism and the Russian avant-garde, and she used painting as a design tool in place of conventional architectural drawing. Across her career, she was known for an abstract approach that sought new possibilities for modern architecture.