Rani Lakshmibai

By Vineeta Singh

Listen up, history enthusiasts and adventure lovers! Get ready to uncover forgotten pages of history where tales of kings’ triumphs often overshadow the invaluable contributions of women. But hold onto your hats because one pioneering warrior, one exceptional queen redefined courage and determination against the oppression of the British Empire: Lakshmibai Newalkar.

Born on November 19, 1828, in Varanasi, India, as Manikarnika Tambe, she came into a world with air thick in tension as the British Empire sank its claws for dominance on every inch of India’s landscape. Raised in the esteemed household of Peshwa Baji Rao II, young Manikarnika was no ordinary girl – she was trained in martial arts, horse riding, and combat, echoing Hindustan’s haunting cries under colonial shadows.

Married to the king of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, Manikarnika ascended to become Rani Lakshmi Bai, blooming Jhansi’s economy and military while leading as one of the first female freedom fighters with the Indian Mutiny against British tyranny. But her happiness was short-lived as the passing of their baby son, Damodar Rao, shattered the couples' dreams of an heir. To secure an heir, they adopted Gangadhar Rao’s cousin, Damodar Rao. Yet, King Gangadhar’s demise in 1853 and the British government’s enforcement of the Doctrine of Lapse rejected Damodar’s claim to the throne and forced Rani Lakshmi Bai to leave her beloved Jhansi.

During the Indian Revolt of 1857, Lakshmibai fortified Jhansi against British occupation, only to be falsely accused of rebellion. She defied British demands to surrender, facing brutal attacks on Jhansi that left thousands dead, widowed, and orphaned in the blink of an eye. The night before the final assault, Lakshmi Bai lashed her 10-year-old adopted son to her back, fighting relentlessly against the British and eventually escaping from the fortress.

But alas, despite her valiant efforts, British supremacy prevailed, culminating tragically in Battle of Gwalior, where Lakshmibai fell as a martyr on June 18, 1858, at just 22 years old.

Today, Lakshmibai’s legacy lives on in the heart of Jhansi, a symbol of unwavering defiance against colonial rule and the fight for justice and independence. Bronze sculptures in Jhansi and Gwalior, postage stamps, and her palace the Rani Mahal (now a museum) persist to forever honor her righteous rebellion. So, whenever you need a dose of inspiration, remember the fearless story of Rani Lakshmibai – A man among the mutineers, a fearless warrior queen who never let the years in her life count, but the life in her years.

Greta Thunberg

By Vineeta Singh

Enter the world of climate justice, where the booming voice of Greta Thunberg shines as a beacon of hope. Picture this: a 15-year-old Swedish student refuses to let the climate crisis be swept under the rug, so she positions outside the Swedish Parliament armed with a simple sign reading "SCHOOL STRIKE FOR CLIMATE," igniting millions to what has become a global movement.

But what's so special about Greta? Well, for starters, she's got guts. Born in 2003 in Stockholm, Sweden, Greta Thunberg is a dynamic teen raised in an environment deeply conscious of environmental issues. She embraces her Asperger's syndrome as her "superpower" to drive her commitment of uniting passion with purpose in battling climate crisis while sparking a wildfire of youth activism worldwide. Her impact transcends borders, as she fearlessly delivers speeches at the World Economic Forum and the European Parliament while voyaging across the Atlantic on an emissions-free yacht to stimulate a global mission of climate action known as the "Greta effect."

From holding leaders accountable for inaction in climate justice at the 2019 United Nations Climate Action Summit to engaging in civil disobedience, she faces arrests and court cases. Despite facing criticism and skepticism, Greta stands undeterred, emerging stronger and more determined than ever. She has been named youngest Time's Person of the Year in 2019 and received the Right Livelihood Award and Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience Award.

So, what's the takeaway? Greta Thunberg is proof that age is just a number, and one person – even a teenager – can make a transformative impact, a world of difference. She continues to amplify the urgency of the climate crisis through books, documentaries, and public appearances, reminding that the time for action is now. So, let's all join hands and get ready to save the planet, one eco-friendly step at a time. Are you ready to be a part of the movement?

Harriet Beecher Stowe

By Taylor Whiting

Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American author of more than 30 books and abolitionist. She was born on June 14, 1811 in Litchfield, Connecticut, but she lived in Cincinnati, Ohio nearly 20 years. She was the sixth of 11 children, and her parents Rev. Lyman Beecher and Roanna Beecher were more open and understanding than their time; indeed they grew up a generation of big dreamers: the seven sons became ministers, the oldest daughter a pioneer for education for women and the youngest daughter a founder of the National Woman's Suffrage Association.

All in all, a family that wanted to change the world. Harriet Beecher Stowe believed it too: she believed her way to change the world was through writing.

She began her education at Sarah Pierce’s academy and later became a student and then teacher at Hartford Female Seminary, founded by her sister Catherine. She published Primary Geography for Children and New England Sketches before she got married and had seven children. She helped teach at her brother Charles Beecher's school to teach emancipated people where she published Palmetto Leaves. And it wasn’t until her later years when she published Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a best-seller.

A significant quote says “She believed her actions could make a positive difference. Her words changed the world.”, which can clearly summarize why I find her inspiring.

Like Connie Shultz, Harriet Beecher Stowe didn’t let anybody change her opinion and stood up for things she believed in even if it wasn’t the norm. Both of these amazing and talented women used writing and words to change the world.

Connie Shultz

By Taylor Whiting

Connie Shultz is the oldest of four siblings, who grew up in Ashtabula, Ohio, in a working-class family. This social condition may sometimes discourage big dreams, but this is not the case: nothing stopped Connie Shultz from becoming a successful American writer, journalist, and educator; she has made it a strength for people who felt they didn't have a voice. Indeed her works are defined as “pungent columns that provided a voice for the underdog and underprivileged." by the Pulitzer Prize Board.

Connie Shultz has received many other accomplishments, including Pulitzer-winning, National Headliner Award Best of Show, for books and memoirs too.

Among the many works worthy of mention we can find “Life Happens” which is a commentary on life in modern society and “…And His Lovely Wife”, a memoir about being the lovely wife of political senator Sherrod Brown (congressman at the time). This latter work tells about the time she was introduced by someone as only Sherrod Brown's wife, not as Connie Shultz’s person, name and identity. The book goes into how she felt during Sherrod Brown's campaign and how she never let go of herself and did not change who she was even if people criticized her.

In 2024 she released another book called “Lola and the Troll”, which is a picture book made for kids and is about remembering how to be brave, even when it’s hard, and realizing that some-times all a bully really needs is a little kindness.

Personally, I admire her because she worked hard to make a name for herself and as someone from the Ashtabula County area and going to be attending Kent State, I feel proud and inspired by Connie Shutlz. I hope that with this article about her I can make our local and international community proud of this powerful woman.

Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah

By Rumesa Salman

Those who believe in gender equality and have been in the forefront of democratic struggle in Pakistan would never forget the name of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, sister of the great leader and founder of Pakistan, **whose life and struggle is a symbol of defiance of dictatorship and injustice and unshakable belief in equality and rights of women and minorities.**

Political Struggle:

When Ayub Khan imposed his martial law, she was the most authentic and loud voice reminding her countrymen that their land had been created for higher purposes rather than bending knees before a thoroughly conventional dictator.

Even during the democratic periods, the authoritarian-minded rulers showed little respect for the rule of law, rights of women and other weaker sections of society and unfortunately demonstrated extreme anti-people character. In this perspective, the message and struggle of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah is a source of inspiration for those who are still struggling and advocating the cause of women, minorities, tolerance and consolidation of a representative and participatory democracy.

There are two important lessons one should learn from her struggle.

First, there was no shortage of hired mullahs who issued at that time fatwas (edicts) that Islam does not permit a woman to become a head of state. Irrespective of the merit of their decree, the most gruesome aspect of such an exercise was the political use of religion in support of the status quo.

Second, no matter how strong a dictator appears to be, the ultimate victory belongs to the people. It has always been a matter of time: sooner or later even the strongest dictator has to submit before the power of the masses.

The most remarkable aspect of Miss Jinnah's campaign was her struggle against the system, rather than against a person. She made it clear that her intention was not just to replace Ayub Khan but also to do away with the sort of (presidential) system he had created. And however brief the respite won by the people, she succeeded in her mission.

We are facing the same grim challenge today in the name of sustainable democracy, which means nothing but to hold on to power under the garb of “attractive slogans”. An observation made by her during the 1964 election campaign still has great relevance, as in 2002 the people of this country faced the same grim opposition. She declared on October 30, 1964:

“The people of Pakistan should themselves decide what kind of government this country will have. The people of Pakistan are not prepared to tolerate corruption, dishonesty, tyranny and dictatorship. We are champions of democracy. We want a clean administration so that people should benefit and their sovereignty could be guaranteed. We are opposed to dictatorship, corruption, nepotism and monopoly because these amount to usurpation of people's sovereign rights”

Knowing fully well that the fight for her ideal was going to be a long and hard one, Miss Jinnah said, "I am an old woman. My shoulders are frail. But my real shoulders are the masses. This nation is a living nation. Its conscience is alive. The flame of liberty burns bright in its bosom. The people want democracy; they will not be cowed down".

Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah contribution to the honor of the nation's history throughout the dark fifties and the much darker sixties is simply unmatched. For the women of this country it is a matter of great pride and inspiration. Those who waste no time in ridiculing the struggle and demands of Pakistani women should feel ashamed that in the hour of need, not a single man rose to the occasion and the historical responsibility fell on the "frail shoulders of an old woman".

Gender Struggle:

As a woman, Ms Jinnah exploded all the myths attached to females. She gave up her career and personal life to look after her brother who was engaged in a long struggle for a homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-continent.

Yet, she was a prominent member of the Working Committee of the Bombay Provincial Muslim League, and also of the Council of the All-India Muslim League.

Even more laudable were her efforts in developing the Women's Sub-Committee of the Muslim League as an effective instrument for mobilizing Muslim women.

Plestia Alaqad

By Rumesa Salman

Alaqad previously worked as an HR professional at a marketing agency while she built a small Instagram following online during her free time. She regularly conducted media training as well, while also doing freelance journalism related work. Alaqad's online content mainly consisted of travel content to locations such as Cyprus and Turkey.

Alaqad gained online recognition after she began posting video diaries on Instagram documenting life in Gaza during the 2023 war. By November 3 Alaqad had accumulated 2.1 million followers, but by November 22 they were nearly 4 million.

Alaqad's videos have been shared by the ABC, BBC, Business Today, The Independent, The New York Times, PBS NewsHour, and The Washington Post. She was also interviewed by the GB News Breakfast Show about conditions in Gaza. Beyond the camera lens, Plestia’s professional journey embodies a commitment to amplifying the voices of the marginalized.

Currently serving as a Human Resource Manager for StepUp Agency since May 2023, she previously contributed her skills as an English Media Club Trainer for The Press House from April to August 2023. In this role, she conducted workshops on English terminology and tactics, leaving a lasting impact. Plestia held a dual role at The Press House, working as a news editor and social media manager. Managing @palsawa’s Instagram page, she actively engaged with the audience while disseminating news.

Her versatility is further evident in her role as an interpreter at the Culture and Free Thought Association in June 2023 and as poet with her poetry diary which she performed as a featured act at the 2024 Bankstown Poetry Slam in Sydney.

Alaqad's reporting serves as a stark reminder of the impact of the conflict on the civilian population in Gaza. The death toll of journalists during the Israel-Hamas war was at least 63, including 56 Palestinians, four Israelis, and three Lebanese. The war's deadly toll on Gazan journalists reflects the larger human cost of the conflict. More than 18,700 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict erupted, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.

Through her reporting, Plestia Alaqad is reminding us of the importance of viewing Gazans as human beings, not just casualties of war. Her work is a testament to the power of journalism in illuminating the human aspect of conflict, in giving voice to the voiceless, and in holding powers accountable. It echoes the need for protection of journalists who risk their lives to bring us the truth.

Begum Rokeya

By Nevyn Parisa Haque

Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (9 December 1880– 9 December 1932), commonly known as Begum Rokeya, was a prominent Bengali feminist thinker, writer, educator and political activist from British India. She is widely regarded as a pioneer of women's liberation in India and Bangladesh.

She advocated for men and women to be treated equally as rational beings, noting that the lack of education for women was responsible for their inferior economic position.

Rokeya had held education as the main pillar in women’s liberation. She established the first girls’s school for Muslim girls in Kolkata, India. After her husband’s passing, she established another school, named Sakhawat Memorial Girls' High School. This school was opened in an Urdu speaking area and originally had 5 students. She is said to have gone from house to house persuading the parents to send their girls to her school in Nisha.

In Bangladesh, 9th December is celebrated as Rokeya Day; on this day, her works and legacy are remembered.

She has written books of different genres such as non fiction and science fiction. Some of her famous works include “Matichur” (A String of Sweet Pearls, 1904 and 1922), a collection of essays in two volumes expressing her feminist thoughts; “Sultana's Dream” (1908), a feminist science fiction novella set in Ladyland ruled by women; “Padmarag” ("Essence of the Lotus", 1924) depicting the difficulties faced by Bengali wives; and “Abarodhbasini” (The Confined Women, 1931), a spirited attack on the extreme forms of purdah that endangered women's lives and self-image.

Sheikh Hasina

By Nevyn Parisa Haque

Sheikh Hasina Wazed is a Bengali politician and leader of the Awami League political party, who served as prime minister of Bangladesh for five terms, one term from 1996 to 2001 and four consecutive terms since 2009.

19 years of service have enabled her to win the record as the longest-serving prime minister in Bangladesh and the world's longest-serving female head of government.

She was born on September 28, 1947 in Tungipara, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), as the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the principal orchestrator of Bangladesh’s separation from Pakistan in 1971. In 1968 she married M.A. Wazed Miah, an eminent Bengali scientist.

During Sheikh Hasina's tenure from 1996 to 2001, her government achieved significant milestones across various sectors which include the landmark 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with India (1996), the Peace Accord on Chittagong Hill Tracts (1997), the construction of the Bangabandhu Bridge (1999-2004), and advancements in food security. Additionally, she implemented programs aimed at supporting farmers and establishing social safety nets for vulnerable groups, such as distressed individuals, widows, and the disabled; these initiatives encompassed allowances for specific demographics, elder care facilities, housing projects for the homeless, and schemes like "One house-One farm."

In her 2009–2013 term, Sheikh Hasina's government continued its trajectory of success, achieving milestones such as increasing power production capacity to 11,000 MW, sustaining GDP growth above 6%, and elevating five crore people to the middle class. The establishment of ICT service centers in all union parishads, bolstering forex reserves, facilitating agricultural development through initiatives like agri-cards, and reducing the poverty level to 26% by 2013 were also notable accomplishments.

Furthermore, her Peace Model was adopted by a UN resolution during this period.

Sheikh Hasina received recognition for her exceptional contributions to social welfare, peace, and stability, including prestigious awards such as UNESCO's Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize in 1998, the Pearl S. Buck Award in 1999, and the CERES Medal by FAO. She has been hailed as one of the world's most influential women, securing the 26th spot on Forbes' list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women in 2018. Additionally, she was honored as one of the 100 Global Thinkers of the present decade by the US-based Foreign Policy journal. In 2014, she received the UNESCO Peace Tree award for her unwavering dedication to women's empowerment and girls' education.

She has written many books. Some of her works include "Why are they Street Children", "The Origin of Autocracy", "Miles to go", "Elimination of Poverty and Some Thoughts", "People and Democracy", "My Dream My Struggle" and "Development for the Masses.”

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lakshmi-Bai

https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/know-all-about-rani-lakshmibai-of-jhansi-born-as-manikarnika-tambe-1316804-2018-08-17

https://www.historynet.com/lakshmi-bai-the-rani-of-jhansi/

https://leverageedu.com/discover/general-knowledge/indian-history-gk/rani-lakshmi-bai/

https://www.britannica.com/science/Asperger-syndrome

https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/kids-club/cool-kids/general-kids-club/greta-thunberg-facts/

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https://www.npr.org/2007/08/22/13863593/this-lovely-wife-has-a-voice-that-carries