Every year, the BBC publishes a list of the 100 women who have made the greatest global impact through their achievements and contributions. In 2024, two Kurdish women, Nadia Murad and Jina Mudarris Gorji, have earned a spot on this prestigious list due to their relentless advocacy for women’s rights and their significant roles in the fight for justice.
Nadia Murad, a Yazidi activist, became an international symbol of resilience and courage after she was kidnapped by ISIS during the 2014 attack on Sinjar. She endured months of sexual slavery before escaping. Since then, Nadia has used her voice to raise awareness about the atrocities faced by Yazidi women and other survivors of sexual violence. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of victims are heard and that their stories are brought to the international stage. Nadia’s advocacy earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018, recognizing her efforts in the fight against sexual violence as a weapon of war and her dedication to helping survivors. Despite the trauma she endured, Nadia remains a powerful symbol of hope and a tireless advocate for the rights of women and girls worldwide.
Jina Mudarris Gorji, a Kurdish journalist and activist, has been a prominent voice for women’s rights in both Kurdistan and Iran. She has campaigned for legal reforms, equality, and an end to violence against women. Mudarris Gorji was a key member of the One Million Signatures Campaign, which aims to challenge and change discriminatory laws against women in Iran. Her activism took a more personal turn when she became involved in the protests following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, who died after being detained by Iran’s morality police. Gorji was arrested multiple times in connection with her participation in these protests and her role in the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, which calls for women’s liberation and an end to gender-based violence.
In 2024, her activism led to a court sentence of two years in prison on charges related to her efforts to promote change and challenge the oppressive government in Iran. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment, Gorji continues to stand firm in her fight for women’s rights, both within her home country and across the globe. Her inclusion in the BBC’s list of the 100 most influential women further highlights her courageous contributions to the movement for women’s liberation in Kurdistan and beyond.
Both Nadia Murad and Jina Mudarris Gorji represent the strength and resilience of Kurdish women, whose voices continue to inspire and drive movements for social change and gender equality around the world. Their recognition by the BBC is a testament to their bravery, commitment, and the transformative impact they have had on the global stage.