Elisa, your Women's Officer (leading the Women's Network), shares her reflections on the women who have shaped her.
If you're interested in becoming the next Women's Officer, nominations are open, and you can put yourself forward now.
Trigger warning: This article contains references to sexual violence
Women's History Month prompts me to reflect on the remarkable women who have influenced my life – those who have inspired, challenged, and uplifted me. Some are well-known, while others are everyday heroes; each has left a lasting impression on my perspective. This is a tribute to a few of them.
Gisèle Pélicot – Transforming Pain into Power
Gisèle Pélicot's story is one of profound resilience and courage. After enduring unimaginable abuse orchestrated by her husband over nearly a decade, she chose to forgo anonymity, bringing her case to the public eye to challenge societal norms surrounding sexual violence. In a world where survivors are often silenced or shamed, Gisele Pélicot’s refusal to stay hidden was an act of defiance as much as it was one of healing.
Her decision to confront her trauma publicly has galvanised discussions on consent, victim-blaming, and the imperative for systemic change, exposing the deep-rooted failures that allow such violence to persist. By shifting the shame from victims to perpetrators, she not only sought justice for herself but also paved the way for others to break free from silence.
Ms Pélicot’s unwavering determination reminds us that personal suffering, when met with courage, can be transformed into a force for societal good – a battle not just for one person but, for all who have been denied justice.
Malala Yousafzai – The Unyielding Advocate for Education
Malala Yousafzai's unwavering commitment to education, even in the face of life-threatening danger, is a source of endless inspiration. As a young girl, she defied extremists who sought to silence her, risking everything to fight for her right – and the right of millions of other girls – to learn. Surviving an assassination attempt only strengthened her resolve, transforming her into a global icon for education and gender equality. Through the Malala Fund and her advocacy, she continues to challenge systems that deny women access to knowledge and opportunity.
Her belief that education is the most powerful tool for change is something I carry with me. When I think about the barriers women still face in academic and professional spaces, I remember Malala’s words: "One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world." Her resilience fuels my own determination to advocate for more inclusive and empowering environments for women – not just in education, but in every sphere where their voices deserve to be heard.
Her resilience fuels my own determination to advocate for more inclusive and empowering environments for women
Maria da Penha – Fighting for Justice Against Domestic Violence
Maria da Penha is a woman whose pain became the catalyst for systemic change. After surviving multiple assassination attempts by her husband – one of which left her paraplegic – she dedicated her life to fighting domestic violence in Brazil. Her relentless pursuit of justice, spanning nearly two decades, exposed the failures of the legal system and led to an international human rights case against Brazil. In response, the country was pressured to act, and in 2006, the Maria da Penha Law was enacted, revolutionising legal protections for women facing abuse.
Her story is a stark reminder that change often stems from perseverance. She turned personal suffering into a nationwide movement, advocating for justice not only for herself but for countless women trapped in cycles of violence. As the founder of the Instituto Maria da Penha, she continues to raise awareness, educate, and push for the proper enforcement of the law bearing her name.
When institutions fail us, and justice seems out of reach, we must continue to push forward, knowing that even one voice can reshape the world for generations to come.
Mothers and Caregivers – The Unseen Architects of Strength
Not every act of heroism makes headlines, and few are as powerful yet invisible as those of mothers and caregivers. These women – whether biological mothers, grandmothers, sisters, or chosen family members – have shaped entire generations through love, resilience, and sacrifice.
They hold communities together, often balancing personal ambitions with the needs of others and creating spaces where children and young people can thrive. They remind me that leadership does not always come with titles or public recognition; sometimes it exists in the everyday acts of care— in the quiet strength that keeps families and societies afloat. They are often the first feminists many of us encounter, teaching by example what it means to be strong, selfless, and unwavering in the face of adversity.
These women, in their own ways, have shaped my thoughts, actions, and dreams. Women's History Month is a time to celebrate those who came before us, but it is also a reminder that we are making history today. How we uplift, support, and empower one another now will define the world for those who come next.
How we uplift, support, and empower one another now will define the world for those who come next.
So, to the women who inspire us – past, present, and future – this month is for you.