In celebration of our 100th Inspiring Thursday post, we are highlighting some of the leaders taking action to combat sexual and gender-based violence across the globe. They range from activists, founders of NGOs, artists and more, but they are all contributing to bringing attention to and challenging violence against women. We have highlighted one individual from each continent, apart from Antarctica, and added a few “honorable mentions” to give you an inspiration overload!
Inspiring Thursday: Ella Baker
“In order for us as poor and oppressed people to become part of a society that is meaningful, the system under which we now exist has to be radically changed…It means facing a system that does not lend itself to your needs and devising means by which you change that system.”
Inspiring Thursday: Pandita Ramabai Saraswati
“The chief means of happiness is complete independence…”
Pandita Ramabai Saraswati was born Rama Dongre on April 23, 1858 in the Canara District, Madras Presidency in British India. Ramabai was born into the Brahmin caste, which was the top caste of Hindu society. Her parents and sister died of starvation during a series of famines that took place from 1874-1876, leaving only Ramabai and her brother.
Inspiring Thursday: Yolanda Becerra Vega
“We believe that peace can be much more real if the participation of women as political actors is part of the equation…Not just in terms of being represented in different scenarios, but more importantly, in the daily construction of proposals from the grassroots, from the regions, so that a real peace is possible in this country.”
Inspiring Thursday: Roxane Gay
“I am trying to become better in what I think and what I say and what I do, without abandoning what makes me human.” Roxane … read article
Inspiring Thursday: The US Women’s National Soccer Team
On July 7, 2019, the United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) won their fourth World Cup title, 2-0, against The Netherlands in Lyon, France. … read article
Inspiring Thursday: Mary Wollstonecraft
Mary Wollstonecraft begins her most celebrated work, A Vindication of the Rights of Women, with a disclaimer: “My own sex, I hope, will excuse me, … read article
Inspiring Thursday: Carola Rackete
31-year-old German national Carola Rackete made headlines recently after deciding to bring her ship carrying 40 migrants into Italian waters without authorization. She was arrested … read article
Inspiring Thursday: Naomi Klein
When it comes to climate change, women are bearing the brunt of the crisis — from floods, to droughts, to food shortages. Women are disproportionately … read article
Inspiring Thursday: Hannah Gadsby
This month, in celebration of Pride, we’re posting stories of inspiring women who are activists in the LGBTQ+ community. Queer heroes aren’t often given the … read article
