Dear Readers,

In Part 4 of our series "Celebrating the Influential Women of 2023," we turn our attention to the powerful realm of "Advocates for Social Change and Human Rights." This segment is dedicated to the courageous and determined women who have taken a stand against injustice, fought for human rights, and made significant contributions to social change. From caregivers selflessly attending to their loved ones to activists bravely confronting oppressive regimes, these women represent the strength and resilience required to challenge and transform societal norms. Their stories not only inspire but also remind us of the ongoing struggles for equality and justice around the world.

Advocates for Social Change and Human Rights

Mothers, wives, partners, daughters, sisters: they form an "invisible army" of women who care for family members unable to care for themselves due to debilitating illnesses, disabilities, or old age. They are predominantly the ones who take on the responsibility of caring for their loved ones, from assisting with basic daily tasks like bathing, eating, and medication management to handling rehabilitative therapies and navigating bureaucratic paperwork. In the absence of adequate support services, many caregivers often sacrifice their own employment and even neglect their health. Despite being the backbone of the welfare system, they lack the recognition and protection offered in other countries, such as healthcare benefits, pension rights, and care assistance. These women, the unsung heroes of every society, shoulder a critical yet often undervalued role. Their vital contributions call for greater acknowledgment and systemic support to address the challenges they face.

In the Gaza Strip, mothers are facing unimaginable hardships amidst conflict. They cradle the lifeless bodies of their children, weep beside rows of shrouded corpses, and traverse miles on foot to seek safety for their families. Many are forced to give birth in perilous conditions, in hospitals no longer safe havens. This conflict, often referred to as "the war of the children," disproportionately impacts the young, as nearly half of the over two million Palestinians in Gaza are under 14 years of age. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, since October 7, over 19,400 people have been killed, with about 70% being women and minors. The plight of these mothers, who have lost everything, is often overshadowed by the noise of bombing and male-dominated diplomatic discourse. They, who least of all chose this war, bear its heaviest burden.

Narges Mohammadi’s life is marked by a series of deprivations for a greater dream – to live in a free country. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate of 2023 is currently serving a 10-year sentence for "spreading anti-state propaganda" in Tehran's Evin Prison. Separated from her children, Kiana and Ali, for eight years and her husband for eleven, she is barred from her profession, her walks through Tehran, and seeing her siblings. Mohammadi has been arrested by the Iranian regime 13 times, convicted five times to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. For 30 years, this engineer and activist has been a formidable obstacle to the theocratic dictatorship’s misogynistic laws, peacefully fighting for democracy and justice. Even from her tiny cell, where a small window offers a glimpse of her beloved mountains, Mohammadi, steadfastly refusing to wear the veil, manages to send out messages. In a recent statement she wrote, "I will continue to raise my voice for Mahsa, Armita, and the others," embodying an unyielding spirit of resistance and hope.

Since the tragic assassination of her sister Marielle, a prominent civil rights activist, on March 14, 2018, in Rio de Janeiro, Anielle Franco has carried the torch of her sister's struggle. She champions civil rights, minorities' rights, and fights against police brutality and paramilitary groups in Brazil and beyond. In 2020, Anielle founded the "Marielle Franco Institute," promoting cultural and educational activities for children, the rise of Black women in society, and combatting gender-based violence. Since January 1, 2023, she has served as the Minister for Ethnic Equality in the Lula II Government. "I lost my fear when they killed my sister. But fear should not paralyze us," she declared. "Now I fight for something much bigger than myself." Her commitment reflects a fearless dedication to creating a more equitable and just society, honoring her sister's legacy and striving for a better future.

Victoria Amelina, a luminous figure in Ukrainian literature, tragically perished in July 2023 at the age of 37, a victim of a Russian ballistic missile strike on Kramatorsk. A martyr of European literature and an unwavering seeker of truth, she was a vital voice documenting the atrocities committed by Vladimir Putin's troops. Amelina guided intellectuals and journalists from around the world to witness the scars and remarkable resilience of her homeland. Her legacy lives on through her writings, photographs of her in a helmet marked with the Cyrillic script for "feminism," and the diaries of writer Volodymyr Vakulenko, whom she unearthed from the ruins of Izyum. Her poignant poems and fierce sense of European identity stand as a heartrending testament to the heavy price paid by Ukrainians daily for the future that began in Maydan Square.

Elena Kostyuchenko, a determined and brave journalist, previously worked for Novaya Gazeta, the Moscow newspaper awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021. As a young practitioner, she was a colleague of Anna Politkovskaya. Kostyuchenko distinguished herself as the sole Russian journalist to report from Ukraine, exposing Putin's war crimes and rightly labeling the Kremlin's "special military operation" as an invasion. Targeted by Russian intelligence while reporting in Donbass, she narrowly escaped assassination. After 17 years, she was forced to flee to Germany, where she survived a poisoning attempt. Living in hiding and under constant protection, she has given up her country, family, work, and former life. Her book "I love Russia" speaks of her resilience amidst the lingering effects of the poison: “The pain, nausea, and swelling have gone. But my energy hasn’t returned. I can’t travel, and I work only three hours a day. Some days I can’t do anything: I just lie down and try not to hate myself.”

At the age of 85, Yocheved Lifshitz embodies resilience and an extraordinary spirit of hope. Clad in a long purple dress, she emerged from an ordeal that few can imagine. Kidnapped by Hamas militants from the Nir Oz kibbutz, she spent 17 harrowing days in captivity. When she finally regained her freedom, her appearance — diminished in weight, with unkempt hair — belied her inner strength. In a moment of unexpected grace, she reached out to one of her captors, held his hand, and uttered "shalom," a word that means both "hello" and "peace." Her ordeal, which included walking through damp tunnels beneath Gaza and enduring beatings, was a testament to her fortitude. Yet, it's her gesture of peace in the face of such adversity that stands as a powerful symbol of hope and the possibility of a better future. Lifshitz’s story is a poignant reminder of the human capacity for endurance and reconciliation.

As we conclude Part 4 of "Celebrating the Influential Women of 2023," we are left with a deep sense of admiration and inspiration. These stories of perseverance, bravery, and resilience highlight the extraordinary impact women have in advocating for social change and defending human rights. They embody the spirit of hope and the relentless pursuit of a fairer and more just world.

How have these stories of advocacy and courage inspired you to think about your role in contributing to social change and human rights? Share your thoughts and reflections below, and continue the conversation by sharing these powerful narratives on social media. Join us in celebrating these remarkable women and their unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

Stay tuned for Part 5, where we will explore the achievements of women in business, economics, education, and research, showcasing their pivotal role in shaping our modern world.

S.A. Sterling

Source: Le Donne del 2023 secondo il Corriere della Sera, La Ventisettesima Ora, Corriere della Sera, December 2023, https://www.corriere.it/cronache/donne-anno-2023/index.shtml