This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Since the Syrian civil war began, a team of 3,300 trained civilian volunteers - who used to be teachers, salesmen, cooks, and taxi drivers have saved more than 80,000 lives. With no weapons except courage, readiness, independence, and a belief in humanity over religious and political beliefs, the White Helmets are making history. Learn from Gardenia, one of the growing number of females in the White Helmets, how women in the war are making a difference, and how the group is going beyond saving people from the rubble to rebuilding infrastructure - and trust - in Syria.