Feminism is a global voice of change, equality, and freedom. These four women not only challenged the male-dominated rules but also rewrote history by sparking movements and fighting to change the law and culture, all leaving a lasting impact. Their stories and legacies continue to shape and inspire future generations of women.
1. Mahsa Zhina Amini, (1999-2022), Iran
Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish-Iranian woman, was detained by the “morality” police for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly.
Amini was arrested and pushed into a van, where she was beaten violently while travelling to a detention centre for women to reform unacceptable behaviour and dress code. Amini fell into a three-day coma, and she was later pronounced dead on September 16th, 2022, at just 22 years of age.
Amini’s death sparked a massive protest under the slogan “Zhin, Zhiyan, Azadi” (Woman, Life, Freedom), a nationwide uprising against years of inequality and repression.
The movement demanded an end to mandatory hijab laws and to overthrow the Islamic Republic for broader societal freedom from social oppression and politics.
Amini left a legacy that extends far beyond Iran, inspiring the international feminist movement, promoting gender equality and most importantly, freedom.
Today, people in Iran still protest for Women, Life, and Freedom, in the hope that someday they will be free from the oppressive Islamic law.
2. Siouxsie Sioux, (1957), London, England
Siouxsie Sioux was a punk icon and a powerful feminist who established unique norms in the male-dominated music industry.
Sioux inspired several young women with her unapologetic presence, refusal to be sexualised, and bold fashion; she became a symbol of women in power in the music era.
Sioux broke the high expectation of being pretty, silent, and petite. She changed the stereotype and femininity of pop culture of women, not just being soft and submissive, but to have a voice, anger, awareness and creativity.
Her influence lives through bold artists like Shirley Manson, PJ Harvey, Radiohead, and The Cure. Her legacy inspires not only women to be freer and more daring but also encourages other artists to express their edginess through music.
Today, women in the music industry have the choice to express anything they choose as an artist, whether it’s rage, complexity and sexuality.
3. Nawal El-Saadawi, (1931-2021), Egypt
Nawal El-Saadawi was an Egyptian writer, doctor, and activist of the patriarchy of Arab society.
She wrote numerous books about women in Islam, domestic violence, and concerns of women in the Global South pertaining to patriarchy, sexuality, class, and colonialism.
El-Saadawi was later jailed for speaking out of terms against religion, but that never scared her nor made her silent. She pushed on her movement for voice and power.
El-Saadawi’s book The Hidden Face of Eve, published in 1980, London, England, critically examines the oppression of women in the Arab world, honour killings, violence and injustice, and female genital mutilation that women suffer with, arguing that these are not rooted in fundamental religious teachings but rather in a distorted interpretation of history and faith.
Today, El-Saadawi is known as a strong, fearless Arab feminist whose work challenged sexual taboos, patriarchal oppression, and religious fundamentalism. She advocates for rage and anger as powerful forces for social change.
4. Nadia Murad, (1993), Iraq
In 2014, Nadia Murad was held captive by ISIS and held as a slave for several years. After she managed to escape, Murad became an outspoken advocate against human trafficking, sexual violence and justice.
Murad is a co-founder of a non-profit organisation, Nadia’s Initiative, to redevelop the Yazidi homeland in Sinjar, Iraq, and support survivors of sexual abuse.
Murad aimed to open the eyes of not only her country but globally, not to feel ashamed and oppressed to speak out about being raped and encourage a change in policy for better protection for women.
Murad won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 and represents a global movement for justice, dignity, and healing.
*Photo Credit: By Rad Pozniakov via Unsplash*
