Women’s History Month 2023
This Women’s History Month, we have been featuring women from all across the globe who have spearheaded social change so that we can honor them, learn from them, and be inspired by them. We thank all of these amazing women for their outstanding talent and hard work towards equity and empowerment!
What other impactful women have you been celebrating this month? Learn more about those who we have been inspired by below.
Mary Akrami, Women’s Rights
Since 2001, Mary Akrami has been unstoppable in the fight for Afghan women’s rights. As the Executive Director of the Afghan Women’s Network (AWN) and founder of the Afghan Women Skills Development Center (AWSDC), Mary has been working to advance women’s rights as well as promote their involvement in political and community-based peace building. In 2007, Mary received the International Women of Courage Award from the U.S Department of State.
Mickey Meji, Anti-trafficking Activism
Mickey Meji's efforts to abolish sex trade in Africa have been tremendous. As a survivor, Mickey formed the first ever survivor movement in Africa, and has founded the Survivor Empowerment & Support Programme. She has been involved in numerous national and international conferences, including the South African National AIDS Council. Last year, the South African National Center on Sexual Exploitation presented her with the Advancing Freedom Award.
Kagendo Murungi, LGBTQ+ Rights
Kenyan activist and filmmaker Kagendo Murungi (1971-2017) was known for her incredible advocacy in advancing the rights of the African LGBTQ+ community. Kagendo founded Wapinduzi Productions, a media organization focused on raising awareness in the fight for social justice and peace. She helped institute the position of Africa program officer at the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission. She was also the Program Associate at the National Black Programming Consortium and collaborated with Queers for Economic Justice.
Dominique Palmer, Climate Justice
Named in Forbes 2020 Leading UK Environmentalists list, Dominique Palmer is a climate-justice activist with a focus on intersectionality issues. She is part of UK’s Climate Student Network Fridays for Future International, and Extinction Rebellion (XR) Youth. Dominique is also a brilliant public speaker: she has participated in events such as the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference and New York Times Hub.
June Oscar, Indigenous Rights
The courageous, hardworking June Oscar is Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. As a Bunuba woman, June has largely focused on advocating for Indigenous Australian languages, social justice, and women’s issues. She also wrote the Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) report, addressing and providing policy recommendations towards the challenges and aspirations of Indigenous women and girls in Australia. In 2018, June received the NAIDOC’s Person of the Year Award.
Bridget Perrier, Anti-trafficking Activism
The fierce advocate Bridget Perrier has been working to raise awareness on the fight against sex trafficking in Canada, specifically its impact on Indigenous women and girls. As a survivor, she has been a leading figure in educating the public and dismantling myths about the sex trade. In 2006, she received the YWCA Woman of Distinction Turning Point award.
Patricia Guerrero, Women’s Rights
Patricia Guerrero is a Colombian human rights lawyer, feminist activist, and former judge. She founded Liga de Mujeres Desplazadas (LMD), also known as the Leage of Displaced Women. This organization fights for the human rights of women and their families who have been affected by armed conflict, forced displacement, and sexual violence. Guerrero was also responsible in the construction of the City of Women in Turbaco, Colombia, a community that provides housing for marginalized women. She has received Special Mentions from both the National Peace Prize in Colombia and the Jury of the King of Spain Human Rights Award.