These women are building a safer and better world
March 10, 2022
"I still wake up every single day and love my job.”
—Judaline Cassidy, the self-described feminist plumber + founder of Tools & Tiaras, a nonprofit that helps girls + women get a start in the construction industry
Simone Sibilio do Nascimento
The gist:
the U.S. State Department will honor 12 women who have demonstrated extraordinary courage, strength and leadership in improving the lives of others and their communities, most often at great risk to themselves.
Here’s what women’s courage looks like around the world:
Facia Boyenoh Harris, a lifelong advocate for women’s rights in Liberia, and co-founder of Paramount Young Women Initiative, she protects school-age girls from sexual harassment and increases their educational opportunities.
Roegchanda Pascoe, of South Africa, advocates for peace, justice and economic inclusion of historically marginalized communities in Cape Town. She continues working for safer communities — especially for women and children — despite threats and attempts on her life.
Ei Thinzar Maung, of Burma, emerged as a symbol of peaceful resistance following the Burmese military’s coup. A longtime defender of human rights and inclusive government, Thinzar Maung was imprisoned in 2015 after opposing a law banning student unions and instruction in minority languages.
Phạm Đoan Trang, an author, journalist and blogger in Vietnam, advocates for improvements in the rule of law, political inclusion and human rights. In December 2021, she was sentenced to nine years in prison on a charge of “disseminating anti-state propaganda” for peacefully expressing her opinions.
Bhumika Shrestha, of Nepal, advocates for gender minority rights in Nepal. Her work helped prompt Nepal’s Supreme Court to allow people to identify as a third gender on citizenship documents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shrestha advocated for government policies supporting the LGBTQI+ community.
Simone Sibilio do Nascimento, a prosecutor in Rio de Janeiro, combats drug trafficking, organized crime and corruption. She tackles controversial cases, police impunity for human rights violations, and has exposed gender-based violence and attacks on social activists.
Photo of Phạm Đoan Trang (State Dept.)
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