Women Transforming Our World: Stories of Courage and Innovation
Dear Readers,
This February, we're highlighting trailblazing women whose courage and innovation are transforming our communities worldwide. These leaders, hailing from diverse fields and locations, are united by their drive to uplift, heal, and inspire. Through their stories—from Ilwad Elman's peace advocacy in Mogadishu to Leila Janah's tech solutions for poverty, Rachel Cargle's push for racial equality, and Ester Carro's environmental initiatives—we're reminded of the power of commitment and passion in creating meaningful change. Let their journeys inspire us to act and support one another in building a better world.
Why These Women Inspire Me (And Hopefully You Too)
These remarkable women inspire me to believe in the possibility of change and to remember that our actions, no matter how small, can spark a movement that transforms the world. For example, Rachel Cargle's work made me see how important it is to understand and act on social justice. Inspired by her, I joined local talks on fairness and inclusivity, learning to discuss and tackle issues I used to avoid. Rachel taught me that making a real difference requires getting involved and pushing for change. Her influence motivated me to be more actively engaged in making my community a better place for everyone.
- Founded Sister Somalia, the first program for victims of gender-based violence, offering counseling, health, and housing support.
- Speaker at TEDx in Mogadishu, showcasing Sister Somalia's role in post-conflict reconstruction.
- Participated in "Climb Up, Speak OUT" campaign on Mount Kilimanjaro with UNwomen, advocating against violence towards women and girls.
- Featured in documentaries “Through the Fire" and "Live From Mogadishu", highlighting her activism and peace efforts.
“I’m a fighter. I’m the kind of person that for better or worse runs towards a problem and tries to solve it even if it’s in a burning house.”
- Advocate for Extremely Together initiative by the Kofi Annan foundation, combating violent extremism among youth.
- Holds key roles in various advisory and strategic groups, focusing on child protection, gender-based violence, and peace & security.
- Awarded for her contributions: Gleitsman International Activist Award, Young African Woman of the Year, and more.
- Briefed the UN Security Council, co-wrote the Youth Action Agenda on Countering Violent Extremism, and appointed as an expert advisor on Youth, Peace & Security by the UN Secretary-General.
Ilwad Elman's work shows how fighting against gender-based violence can lead to major changes in peace and security policies worldwide.
Find out more about Elman Peace Sister Somalia, the first rape crisis centre in Somalia
- Founder of Sama & LXMI, pioneering companies that create living-wage digital jobs in underserved communities globally, from Kenya to Haiti.
- Champion of Social Entrepreneurship, showing how technology can bridge the gap between poverty and prosperity by training individuals in digital work.
- Advocate for Sustainable Development, using ethical sourcing and fair labor practices to empower communities and protect the environment.
- Inspirational Speaker, shared her vision for a more equitable world through technology and social business at global forums.
“Technology is a powerful tool for change, especially when it’s in the hands of those who need it most.”
- Innovator in Impact Sourcing, demonstrated that businesses can be profitable while having a profound social impact.
- Recognized Leader, received awards for her groundbreaking work in leveraging tech for social good and creating job opportunities for the marginalized.
- Visionary in Ethical Business, proved that compassion and innovation can coexist in the business world, leading to sustainable growth and social equity.
Leila Janah's legacy continues to inspire us. She proved that you can build a business that helps people, changing lives and communities for the better. Her life encourages others to think big and act kindly in their own ventures.
Check out the LXMI Beauty For Umanity website.
- Founder of The Loveland Foundation, providing free therapy to Black women and girls to address mental health disparities and support healing.
- Creator of Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre, an innovative literacy space amplifying marginalized voices and fostering community learning and engagement.
- Advocate for Racial Justice and Equity, through public speaking, workshops, and social media, challenging societal norms and advocating for systemic change.
“Solidarity is not the same as support.”
- Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, leveraging business and philanthropy to create impactful social ventures aimed at reimagining womanhood and solidarity.
- Influential Voice in Modern Feminism, exploring themes of race and identity, and pushing for an inclusive and equitable feminist movement.
- Champion of Self-Care and Mental Wellness, emphasizing the importance of emotional healing and self-care within the Black community and beyond.
- Leader in Educational Reform, through initiatives like The Great Unlearn, offering resources for critical education and unlearning racial biases.
Rachel Cargle's work is all about building spaces where people can heal, learn, and grow stronger, pushing us closer to a society that's fair and welcoming for everyone. Her efforts are paving the way for a world where everyone has the chance to be heard and empowered.
Check out Rachel’s inspiring website here.
- Pioneer in Transforming Landfills to Parks, utilizing architectural expertise to convert urban wastelands into vibrant, green spaces in Brazil.
- Advocate for Environmental Sustainability, demonstrating the impactful use of architecture in promoting ecological health and urban renewal.
- Community Well-being Champion, focusing on projects that enhance the quality of life for urban residents and foster community spirit.
"Architecture is a powerful tool, it's a path for small changes, interventions, and actions in physical space. It can contribute to the health and well-being of society, as well as rebuild social relationships and create alternatives for welcoming."
-Ester Carro
- Innovator in Urban Space Reclamation, leading initiatives that repurpose neglected areas for public enjoyment and ecological balance.
- Visionary in Leveraging Professional Skills for Societal Benefit, showing how architectural knowledge can drive significant social and environmental change.
- Inspirational Figure in Sustainable Development, inspiring others to envision and work towards greener, more livable cities.
Ester Carro shows how architects can use their skills to help the environment and improve communities. Her projects are a great example of how combining professional expertise with a commitment to the planet and people can create inspiring and lasting changes in urban areas.
Check out Ester’s inspiring posts on Instagram
Invitation to Share Your Stories
We're inviting you to share stories about women who've inspired you or made a difference in your community or personal life. Let's celebrate their strength, courage, and impact together. Who's a woman that's changed your life or community? Sharing these stories highlights how connected, empathetic, and strong we can be together, showing how we can all help heal, support, and change our world for the better.
Until next time, continue to rise strong, inspire, and be inspired.
Warmly,
S.A. Sterling
References
Ilwad Elman:
- Vogue. (n.d.). Ilwad Elman Is Somalia’s Young Female Peace Activist. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.com/article/ilwad-elman-interview
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). Ilwad Elman. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilwad_Elman
- Kofi Annan Foundation. (n.d.). Ilwad Elman. Retrieved from https://www.kofiannanfoundation.org/extremely-together/ilwad-elman/
- Elman Peace. (n.d.). Ilwad Elman. Retrieved from http://elmanpeace.org/ilwad-elman/
Leila Janah:
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). Leila Janah. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leila_Janah
- The New York Times. (2020, January 30). Leila Janah, Entrepreneur Who Hired the Poor, Dies at 37. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/30/business/leila-janah-dead.html
- YouTube. (n.d.). *Leila Janah: A World Without Poverty is Possible*. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G-YmXS9_bs
- Sama. (n.d.). *Leila Janah Founder*. Retrieved from https://www.sama.com/leila-janah-founder/
Rachel Cargle:
- Rachel Cargle. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved from https://rachelcargle.com/
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). Rachel Cargle. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Cargle
- YouTube. (n.d.). Unpacking White Feminism | Rachel Cargle. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Koul2hSwXjE
- The Washington Post. (2019, September 11). How Activist Rachel Cargle Built a Business by Calling Out Racial Injustices Within Feminism. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/magazine/wp/2019/09/11/feature/how-activist-rachel-cargle-built-a-business-by-calling-out-racial-injustices-within-feminism/
Ester Carro:
- Instagram. (n.d.). Ester Carro. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/ster.carro/?hl=en
- Vogue. (n.d.). In São Paulo, a New Initiative Transforms a Landfill Into a Green Oasis. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.com/article/fazendinhando-park-jardim-colombo-sao-paulo
- The Talko. (n.d.). This Young Woman Is Converting a Landfill Into a Park in São Paulo. Retrieved from https://www.thetalko.com/this-young-women-is-converting-a-landfill-into-a-park-in-sao-paulo/