Sharing the stories of bravery, empathy and determination that drive the fight for women’s and girls’ rights around the world. https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/heroes/rss en Heroes Fri, 27 Oct 2017 13:23:55 +0000 Didem Tali https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/27/mongolias-wrestling-champion-takes-on-a-patriarchal-sumo-system https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/27/mongolias-wrestling-champion-takes-on-a-patriarchal-sumo-system Bum-Erdene Tuvshinjargal is already a huge star in the sumo wrestling world. But the 17-year-old has had to take on more than just her opponents – she’s also in a fight to turn professional. Education Heroes Thu, 19 Oct 2017 10:33:00 +0000 Ruud Elmendorp https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/19/kenyas-condom-queen-is-on-a-mission-to-educate-women-and-girls https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/19/kenyas-condom-queen-is-on-a-mission-to-educate-women-and-girls Brenda Alwanyi is Kenya’s new Condom Queen. Crowned in September, she can be found in Nairobi’s slums most weekends, handing out male and female condoms and educating women on sexual health and their rights. Heroes Solutions Tue, 17 Oct 2017 14:11:47 +0000 Clarissa Maracci https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/17/power-from-pain-standing-up-for-widows-and-orphans-in-kenya https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/17/power-from-pain-standing-up-for-widows-and-orphans-in-kenya Divorced, widowed and childless, Roseline Orwa knows all too well the challenges faced by women in Kenya’s remote communities. Through her Rona Foundation, she pushes for the rights of widows around the country and helps them build new lives. Heroes Fri, 29 Sep 2017 10:46:19 +0000 Sara Manisera https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/29/i-came-for-the-jihad-women-tell-of-life-in-the-islamic-state-2 https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/29/i-came-for-the-jihad-women-tell-of-life-in-the-islamic-state-2 They were the brides of the so-called Islamic State. These days, they are detained in a camp for the internally displaced north of Raqqa city. They speak to Syria Deeply about life in the caliphate, and whether or not they would return to their homes. Crisis and Conflict Education Heroes Thu, 14 Sep 2017 03:00:02 +0000 Rosie-Lyse Thompson https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/14/the-refugee-teacher-helping-syrian-street-kids-in-turkey https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/14/the-refugee-teacher-helping-syrian-street-kids-in-turkey When Yasmin Al Dabaan fled the war in Syria and settled in Turkey, she noticed many Syrian children living on the streets. Using her teaching skills and her salary, she set up the Active Child Center and now provides children with informal lessons every afternoon. Gender-Based Violence Heroes Solutions Thu, 07 Sep 2017 07:30:39 +0000 Suparna Gangal https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/07/at-an-indian-cafe-acid-attack-survivors-find-solace-and-pride https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/07/at-an-indian-cafe-acid-attack-survivors-find-solace-and-pride At Sheroes Cafe in India, the staff are all women who have survived acid attacks. Once confined to their homes, the women now refuse to let their physical scars stop them from living their lives. Crisis and Conflict Heroes Tue, 08 Aug 2017 03:00:15 +0000 Sonia Narang https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/08/08/fijis-climate-champion-speaks-up-for-women-in-the-wake-of-cyclones https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/08/08/fijis-climate-champion-speaks-up-for-women-in-the-wake-of-cyclones When a cyclone devastated Eta Tuvuki’s remote village in Fiji, she wanted to make sure women hit by extreme weather were being heard. Now she brings their concerns to decision makers in the capital and shares weather information so rural women can prepare for the worst. Economic Independence Heroes Politics and Policy Fri, 04 Aug 2017 11:49:34 +0000 Rachel Reed https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/08/04/the-women-activists-working-to-keep-kenyas-election-peaceful https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/08/04/the-women-activists-working-to-keep-kenyas-election-peaceful As Kenya heads to the polls, all eyes are on the country’s leaders and candidates. But behind the scenes, the country’s women grassroots organizers are working to make sure violence doesn’t break out in their communities. Crisis and Conflict Heroes Solutions Tue, 01 Aug 2017 13:39:24 +0000 Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/08/01/expert-views-how-to-overcome-challenges-women-face-in-building-peace https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/08/01/expert-views-how-to-overcome-challenges-women-face-in-building-peace Four experts identify the greatest challenges facing women peacebuilders and peacekeepers and discuss how, despite slow progress and bias against women, those challenges can be overcome. Crisis and Conflict Heroes Solutions Thu, 27 Jul 2017 03:00:00 +0000 Okunyomih John Feyiropo https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/07/27/build-a-woman-and-you-build-a-nation-the-women-peacemakers-of-jos https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/07/27/build-a-woman-and-you-build-a-nation-the-women-peacemakers-of-jos Religious tensions between Christians and Muslims in Jos, central Nigeria, have led to clashes in which several thousand people have been killed. But one NGO has an innovative solution: bringing women from both sides together to discuss their issues. Heroes Politics and Policy Mon, 12 Jun 2017 11:33:02 +0000 Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/06/12/expert-views-the-future-of-womens-leadership-in-africa https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/06/12/expert-views-the-future-of-womens-leadership-in-africa Three high-level African women leaders speak with Women & Girls about how to improve representation of women in politics across the continent. Health Heroes Mon, 29 May 2017 08:00:13 +0000 Ruud Elmendorp https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/05/29/video-the-maasai-women-using-cricket-to-beat-fgm-in-kenya https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/05/29/video-the-maasai-women-using-cricket-to-beat-fgm-in-kenya Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is common in Maasai lands, but by encouraging girls to play cricket and providing education on the practice during breaks, one group of young people is changing attitudes. Heroes Mon, 15 May 2017 13:03:48 +0000 Hereward Holland https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/05/15/video-the-afghan-skier-challenging-girls-to-hit-the-slopes https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/05/15/video-the-afghan-skier-challenging-girls-to-hit-the-slopes Despite a wealth of snowy mountains, Afghanistan only has 12 female skiers. Fatima Nazari, the country’s best, is trying to change that by challenging girls to take to the slopes. Gender-Based Violence Heroes Tue, 09 May 2017 12:38:24 +0000 William Davies https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/05/09/the-man-who-sued-ghanas-government-to-help-domestic-abuse-survivors https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/05/09/the-man-who-sued-ghanas-government-to-help-domestic-abuse-survivors When Ghana passed its domestic violence law in 2007, it promised to set up a fund to help pay for survivors’ medical bills and establish women’s shelters. But that never happened. So private lawyer Martin Kpebu took the government to court – and won. Gender-Based Violence Heroes Wed, 03 May 2017 13:18:45 +0000 Hannah McNeish https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/05/03/the-activist-taking-on-patriarchy-to-end-domestic-violence-in-kenya https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/05/03/the-activist-taking-on-patriarchy-to-end-domestic-violence-in-kenya Dowry culture and a fixation on reproduction have contributed to violence towards women in African homes. But with legal reform and awareness campaigns on the rise, activists like Kenya’s Saida Ali are optimistic about changing attitudes. Gender-Based Violence Heroes Thu, 20 Apr 2017 13:25:11 +0000 Mustapha Dumbuya https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/04/20/the-south-sudanese-bishop-seeking-justice-for-rape-survivors https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/04/20/the-south-sudanese-bishop-seeking-justice-for-rape-survivors In February, army soldiers attacked the village of Kubi, allegedly raping women and girls. Since then, Bishop Paul Yugusuk, who runs a church in the village, has been fighting to bring convictions against the perpetrators – and to curb the rape epidemic in his country. Culture Heroes Tue, 18 Apr 2017 12:01:39 +0000 Alexandra Bradford https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/04/18/afghanistans-first-female-conductor-braves-death-threats-to-make-music https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/04/18/afghanistans-first-female-conductor-braves-death-threats-to-make-music Negin Khpalwak has had to risk her life to become Afghanistan’s first female orchestra conductor. But she says it’s worth it – not only for the music, but also because she’s inspiring other Afghan women to assert their rights. Heroes Politics and Policy Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:27:28 +0000 Marina Watson Peláez https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/04/13/catarina-martins-the-woman-shaking-up-portugals-political-scene https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/04/13/catarina-martins-the-woman-shaking-up-portugals-political-scene The leader of Portugal’s left-wing Left Bloc party, Catarina Martins, talks about how female politicians are fighting to promote gender equality in her country. Health Heroes Wed, 12 Apr 2017 12:02:08 +0000 Amy Fallon https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/04/12/stella-nyanzi-on-the-fight-to-get-free-pads-for-ugandas-schoolgirls https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/04/12/stella-nyanzi-on-the-fight-to-get-free-pads-for-ugandas-schoolgirls Stella Nyanzi’s criticism of the Ugandan president and his wife has landed her in prison. Before her arrest, the activist spoke to Women & Girls about her determination to hold the government to its promise of free sanitary pads for the country’s schoolgirls. Health Heroes Fri, 07 Apr 2017 11:56:41 +0000 Kristi Eaton https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/04/07/the-men-trying-to-change-the-stigma-around-menstruation-in-india https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/04/07/the-men-trying-to-change-the-stigma-around-menstruation-in-india For many women in India, myths about periods can lead to everything from social isolation to serious reproductive health problems. But one way to get people talking about the facts of menstruation, say experts, is to bring men into the conversation. Heroes Tue, 28 Mar 2017 13:01:13 +0000 Katherina Thomas https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/03/28/liberian-marathon-runner-racing-past-prejudice https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/03/28/liberian-marathon-runner-racing-past-prejudice She’s one of Liberia’s best marathon runners, but Joy Kollie still has to power through discrimination against female athletes, unfounded rumors of Ebola, and a lack of sponsorship opportunities. Health Heroes Tue, 14 Mar 2017 05:00:20 +0000 William Davies https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/03/14/video-saving-lives-bringing-u-k-skills-ghanas-young-surgeons https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/03/14/video-saving-lives-bringing-u-k-skills-ghanas-young-surgeons While his two breast cancer clinics help women in Ghana access lifesaving healthcare, Dr. Paul Ofori-Atta’s charity, MOTEC-Life, gives young Ghanaian surgeons access to some of the U.K.’s best doctors, so they can use their new skills to treat children back home. Culture Heroes Minority Rights Mon, 24 Oct 2016 07:20:20 +0000 Charlotte Alfred https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/10/24/death-new-life-teen-fled-syria-wheelchair https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/10/24/death-new-life-teen-fled-syria-wheelchair Nujeen Mustafa didn’t realize fleeing from Syria to Europe in a wheelchair would be considered extraordinary. Now in Germany, she has written a book about her journey. Speaking to Refugees Deeply, she says she hopes the attention will demonstrate that refugees are more than numbers. Crisis and Conflict Heroes Wed, 14 Sep 2016 06:43:05 +0000 Hannah McNeish https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/09/14/the-madwoman-giving-burundis-civil-war-orphans-a-second-chance https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/09/14/the-madwoman-giving-burundis-civil-war-orphans-a-second-chance When Marguerite Barankitse started taking in children who had been orphaned by Burundi’s civil war, people called her crazy. But after helping more than 30,000 kids, she still dreams of raising a generation that can learn to live in peace. Education Heroes Wed, 14 Sep 2016 05:52:49 +0000 Ameera Butt, Sonia Narang https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/09/14/in-malalas-hometown-a-peace-activist-stands-up-for-girls-education https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/09/14/in-malalas-hometown-a-peace-activist-stands-up-for-girls-education As a teenager, Neelam Ibrar Chattan began working to promote peace in Pakistan’s conflict-torn Swat Valley. Now 23, she’s taking a stand in her male-dominated community and enrolling girls in school. Education Heroes Tue, 16 Aug 2016 11:35:36 +0000 Flora Bagenal https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/08/16/looking-up-the-astronomer-who-inspires-kenyas-kids https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/08/16/looking-up-the-astronomer-who-inspires-kenyas-kids Teaching children about the stars helps them learn to love and care for the natural world, says Kenyan astronomer Susan Murabana. And by taking her telescope to remote parts of the country, she hopes to also encourage more girls to get into science. Crisis and Conflict Heroes Solutions Wed, 03 Aug 2016 11:46:46 +0000 Sandra Prüfer https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/08/03/nigerian-eco-heroes-find-solutions-in-the-everyday https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/08/03/nigerian-eco-heroes-find-solutions-in-the-everyday Africa’s most populated country is facing environmental challenges that threaten to only get worse. But a new generation of activists and social entrepreneurs are helping Nigerians take steps toward a low-carbon, pollution-free future. Crisis and Conflict Heroes Thu, 28 Jul 2016 11:25:35 +0000 Flora Bagenal https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/07/28/the-hunger-striker-exposing-irans-brutal-prisons https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/07/28/the-hunger-striker-exposing-irans-brutal-prisons One month into her hunger strike, jailed Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi has gained an army of supporters – at home and abroad – on social media, increasing pressure on authorities to stop the mistreatment of inmates in Tehran’s Evin Prison. Heroes Thu, 21 Jul 2016 12:11:45 +0000 Sonia Narang https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/07/21/the-danish-mother-who-helps-refugees-feel-at-home https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/07/21/the-danish-mother-who-helps-refugees-feel-at-home As refugees began arriving in Hanne Olsen’s small town in the Danish countryside, she realized they often had nowhere to turn for help. So she decided to dedicate her retirement to helping them resettle, find jobs and start a new life. Education Heroes Wed, 29 Jun 2016 09:29:04 +0000 Katherina Thomas, Alpha Daffae Senkpeni https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/06/29/michelle-obama-inspires-schoolgirls-in-liberia https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2016/06/29/michelle-obama-inspires-schoolgirls-in-liberia On Monday, Michelle Obama visited Liberia to push for girls’ education in one of the world’s most underdeveloped countries. Some of the girls she met say the visit has convinced them to stay in school.