Mahrang Baloch, a brave doctor fighting for justice, and Hadiqa Kiani, a talented singer using her voice for good, have made it to the BBC’s 100 Women 2024 list. They’re among 100 inspiring women from around the world who are making a difference. Let’s celebrate their achievements and support their incredible work!
Two inspiring Pakistani women, Mahrang Baloch, and Hadiqa Kiani, have earned spots on the prestigious BBC 100 Women 2024 list. In addition, this annual list celebrates women worldwide who have shown incredible resilience and driven meaningful change in their communities.
Mahrang Baloch
Mahrang Baloch, a dedicated human rights activist, is a leading voice in the fight against enforced disappearances in Balochistan. In late 2023, she led a 1,600-kilometer march to Islamabad, accompanied by hundreds of women, to demand answers about their missing loved ones. Arrested twice during the march, her courage and determination remained unshaken.
Mahrang’s advocacy is deeply personal. Her father was reportedly abducted in 2009, and his body was found two years later, bearing signs of torture. Despite these challenges, she continues her work through the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, advocating for justice and human rights.
Hadiqa Kiani
Hadiqa Kiani, one of Pakistan’s most beloved singers, earned recognition for her humanitarian work. After the devastating 2022 floods, she launched the Vaseela-e-Raah project, which focuses on rebuilding lives in affected areas like Balochistan and South Punjab.
Under this initiative, Kiani spearheaded the construction of 370 homes and other essential facilities for flood victims. Moreover, her efforts mobilized public support and highlighted the importance of community-driven solutions in times of crisis.
Global Inspiration
The BBC 100 Women 2024 list also features women from diverse backgrounds and regions, each with unique contributions. Conversely, the Most Prominent ones are
Plestia Alaqad (Palestine)
Plestia Alaqad, a 22-year-old journalist from Palestine, gained attention during the Gaza war in 2023. She shared videos from her apartment amid airstrikes, which went viral and attracted 4 million Instagram followers. Her posts included updates, poems, and personal diaries. Her memoir, Eyes of Gaza, will be published soon. After leaving Gaza in November 2023, she moved to Beirut, Lebanon. Moreover, she recently received the Shireen Abu Akleh Scholarship at the American University of Beirut.
Yasmeen Mjalli (Palestine)
Yasmeen Mjalli, a fashion designer, founded the Nöl Collective in 2020 in the West Bank. Her designs tell stories of Palestinian culture and life. She collaborates with local sewing workshops, women’s cooperatives, and spice shops to create unique garments. Moreover, the label highlights traditional Palestinian craftsmanship through embroidery, weaving, and carving.
Shireen Abed (Palestine)
Pediatrician Shireen Abed continued helping babies in Gaza even after her home was bombed in 2023. Using her experience as a neonatal expert, she developed emergency protocols to save lives with limited resources. Though she had to leave Gaza with her daughters, Abed now supports local doctors remotely.
Enas Al-Ghoul (Palestine)
Agricultural engineer Enas Al-Ghoul created a solar-powered device to turn seawater into drinkable water for people in Gaza. She used recycled materials like wood and glass. Al-Ghoul also invented a solar-powered cooker and repurposed materials to make items like mattresses and bags, helping displaced families survive.
Hamida Aman (Afghanistan)
Hamida Aman started Begum Academy, an online platform offering free courses for Afghan students barred from school by the Taliban. In 2023, her platform shared over 8,500 educational videos in Dari and Pashto. She also launched Begum TV to broadcast these lessons via satellite.
Christina Assi (Lebanon)
Photojournalist Christina Assi lost a leg during an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon in 2023. Despite this tragedy, she now campaigns for journalists’ safety. She also carried the Olympic torch in 2024 to honor reporters who died while working.
Hinda Abdi Mohamoud (Somalia)
Hinda Abdi Mahamoud is the editor of Bilan, Somalia’s first all-women media team. The team tackles sexism and harassment, reporting on sensitive topics like HIV stigma, abused orphans, and marginalized groups, despite the dangers of working in Somalia.
Shahrnush Parsipur (Iran/US)
Iranian novelist Shahrnush Parsipur writes about taboo topics like women’s struggles in patriarchal societies. Her works are banned in Iran, and she was jailed multiple times. Conversely, now in exile in the US, she continues to write and share her experiences.
Pooja Sharma (India)
Pooja Sharma from India performs last rites for unclaimed bodies in Delhi, a role traditionally reserved for men. She began this work after her brother’s death, facing resistance from priests. So far, she has conducted over 4,000 funerals for people of various faiths.
Zakia Khudadadi (Afghanistan)
Zakia Khudadadi, an Afghan taekwondo athlete born without a forearm, won a medal for the refugee team at the 2024 Paralympics. She trained secretly under the Taliban regime and became the first Afghan woman to compete internationally after fleeing the country.
Firda Marsya Kurnia (Indonesia)
Firda Marsya Kurnia leads Voice of Baceprot, an all-women hijab-wearing metal band in Indonesia. The group challenged patriarchy through music and performed at Glastonbury in 2024, becoming the first Indonesian band to do so.
Vinesh Phogat (India)
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, a critic of sexism in sports, retired after being disqualified at the 2024 Olympics. Moreover, she led protests against sexual harassment in sports, gaining widespread attention.
Nadia Murad (Iraq)
Nadia Murad, a Yazidi activist, survived captivity during the Yazidi genocide. She advocates for sexual violence survivors and works to rebuild communities through her initiative. Additionally, Murad won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018.
Gisele Pelicot (France)
French survivor Gisele Pelicot shared her story of marital abuse publicly to challenge societal attitudes toward rape. In addition, her bravery has inspired many and could lead to changes in French laws on consent.
Fawzia al-Otaibi (Saudi Arabia/UK)
Fawzia al-Otaibi campaigns against Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship system. After facing threats, she fled the country but continues advocating for women’s rights and her sister’s release from prison.
