Meet the changemakers who shape a feminist future, dismantle systemic inequalities, and create lasting impact for women and girls around the world.
With one in three women experiencing gender-based violence, the urgency for systemic change has never been clearer. International Women’s Day serves as both a moment of reflection and a call to action.
Gender disparities are among the most entrenched forms of inequality everywhere affecting half of the world population. Far too many women and girls continue to face eroded rights, lost opportunities, and systemic inequalities, there is also an undeniable surge of resistance, resilience, and hope—movements that are pushing back, reclaiming space, and demanding lasting change. At the current rate of progress, it will take 134 years to reach full parity between women and men.
Gender equality and equal rights are not just a matter of equity; they are also of paramount economic importance. Today, many economic policies across the world are leaving women behind. From inadequate social protections preventing women from staying in the labor force to unequal pay or higher taxation for second – often female – earners, these policies are denying 2.4 billion working-age women the same rights as men. Women are also shouldering the bulk of unpaid care work. Globally, women spend 2.5 times as many hours a day on unpaid care and domestic work as men.
This is why it is crucial to invest in women, not just as a matter of fairness, but as a transformative economic opportunity that will shape a more prosperous and equitable future for the world. It is estimated that closing the gender gap could give the global economy a USD 7 trillion boost. Women’s economic equality is also good for business. It is estimated that companies with three or more women in senior management functions score higher in all dimensions of organizational performance.
Under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” this year’s International Women’s Day marks a pivotal moment to shine a light on those who transform hope into action, amplifying voices, breaking barriers.
Among these trailblazers are the changemakers of the UN SDG Action Awards, who fight gender-based violence, climate injustice, and empower women and girls—reimagining a just and equitable world for all.
Meet the changemakers turning hope into action and reshaping the future for women and girls everywhere:
Srishti Bakshi Walks for Women’s Rights across India
Walking 3,800 kilometers across India may seem impossible, but for 2022 UN SDG Action Awards Changemaker Winner Srishti Bakshi, it was a mission to expose the daily struggles of women and girls. For over 260 days, she traveled on foot from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, leading 100+ workshops on digital literacy, financial independence, and women’s safety. Her journey culminated in the documentary WOMB: Women Of My Billion, a raw and moving portrayal of gender inequality in India today. Now serving as the Executive Director for Asia and Europe at Global Philanthropic, Srishti continues to challenge the status quo and champion gender justice on a global scale, a raw and moving portrayal of gender inequality in India today.
Payzee Mahmod Combats Child Marriage in the UK
2024 UN SDG Action Awards Changemaker Finalist Payzee Mahmod, survivor of child marriage, has become a leading voice in the fight to end honour-based violence. Thanks to her tireless campaigning, the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act has been passed banning child marriage under 18 in England and Wales—an achievement that is saving lives and futures. She is currently supporting women and girls living in the UK who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing all forms of “honour” based abuse, such as forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation, and domestic abuse.
Nzambi Matee Turns Waste into Opportunity in Kenya
In Nairobi, where plastic pollution clogs rivers and threatens ecosystems, 2024 UN SDG Action Awards Impact Winner Nzambi Matee is revolutionizing plastic waste management by converting plastic into building materials. As the founder of Gjenge Makers, Nzambi has so far recycled over 200 tons of plastic waste, providing affordable construction solutions and creating over 600 jobs for women and youth – proving that a circular economy is not just possible—it’s already happening.
Alhanislam Challenges Injustice with Poetry in Nigeria
2024 UN SDG Action Awards Creativity Finalist Alhanislam, founder of True My Voice, uses spoken word to ignite social change, mobilizing youth across Africa to challenge injustice. Through initiatives like Sound of Unity and partnerships with Change.org, her movement has reached over 2 million people, influencing policies on electoral violence, desertification, and human rights. Her work is a testament to the power of creativity as a tool for advocacy, proving that words can inspire action.
Jessica Smith OAM PLY Advances Inclusion and Accessibility
2024 UN SDG Action Awards Judge Jessica Smith OAM PLY is a former Australian Paralympic swimmer and dedicated advocate for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. She uses her platform to challenge societal perceptions of disability and inspire women and girls to embrace their individuality, redefining beauty standards beyond conventional expectations. Through motivational speaking, writing, and advocacy, Jessica promotes practical solutions for creating a more inclusive world.
Nyaradzo Mashayamombe Empowers Young Women in Zimbabwe
2024 UN SDG Action Awards Changemaker Finalist Nyaradzo Mashayamombe, founder of Tag a Life International (TaLI), empowers girls and young women in Zimbabwe to fight gender-based violence, advocate for climate justice, and demand economic inclusion. Through initiatives like the Leadership Economic Mentorship Hubs, she has equipped 6,500 girls with leadership skills and mobilized 200+ civil society organizations to push for the Education Amendment Act, securing the right to education for all children in Zimbabwe. Her work is a testament to the power of activism in shaping policies and transforming lives.
Despite the deepening inequalities that women and girls continue to face, there is an undeniable surge of resistance, resilience, and hope. Through their work, the changemakers remind us that equality is not an abstract goal—it is built, day by day, through relentless action. It is found in the policies we fight for, the communities we uplift, and the spaces we reclaim.
Join the Movement: Turn Hope into Action
- Nominate a changemaker who is making an impact in their community—stay tuned for the 2025 UN SDG Action Awards call for applications and nominations.
- Step up for gender equality in your communities and make a conscious decision about it next time you vote, or hire someone, or decide who does household tasks.
- Engage in conversations on social media and advocate against gender stereotypes, bias, and discrimination.
- Tag @SDGAction and use the hashtags #ForAllWomenAndGirls, #IWD2025, #InternationalWomensDay, and #SDGAwards.
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