I stand on the sacrifices of a million women before me
Thinking what can I do
To make this mountain taller
So the women after me
Can see farther
Legacy, rupi kaur
Zahra Joya is the founder of Rukhshana Media, Afghanistan’s first feminist news agency. The outlet’s name honors a 19-year-old girl who was stoned to death by the Taliban. Due to a number of threats from the Taliban, Zahra fled Afghanistan, was eventually airlifted to London, England, where she continues to run her agency while living in exile. Zahra has been globally recognized for her compelling journalism and courage.
Divine Warrior, rain down your glory upon Zahra and her courageous spirit.
Verónica Cruz Sánchez is a Mexican human rights defender, who is the founder of Las Libres, an organization dedicated to defending the human rights of women across Mexico. Verónica has been awarded for her work with women who are imprisoned for abortions and miscarriages in Mexico. Verónica works relentlessly to decriminalize and destigmatize women’s decisions over their bodies and reproductive rights.
Lover of mind, body, and soul, lead us to advocate for body autonomy, with Verónica paving the way.
Olena Shevchenko is one of Ukraine’s most visible activists, with a focus on raising visibility of the LGBTQ-plus community and promoting awareness of the intersectionality of women’s rights with other marginalized groups in the country. Shevchenko was recently attacked by six unidentified men while taking part in a protest. It was reported that the local police were initially reluctant to accept her report of the assault.
Creator of diversity, walk with Olena as she continues to engage in the dangerous work before her. May she feel your strength and abundant love.
Sister Norma Pimentel, is a Mexican-American nun of the Missionaries of Jesus and the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. She has gained international attention for her work with refugees and immigrants to the United States and for speaking out against the Trump administration Family Separation policy.
Beloved, we thank you for gifting the world with Norma’s presence. Her bravery and dedication leads us all to believe in a better world.
Fatou Baldeh is a survivor and the founder of the organization Women in Liberation & Leadership (WILL). She is a leading activist fighting against the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Gambia. Although FGM has been banned in her country since 2015, it still happens: about 75% of women and girls ages 15 to 49 have been cut, according to the United Nations Population Fund. Fatou states, “People are talking about it, and that is a positive thing because we cannot end the practice if we don’t talk about it.”
Loving Spirit, surround our sister Fatou with tenderness as she invites people into difficult conversations about a tradition that many believe to be dangerous and degrading.
Mahnoor Omer is putting her passion and expertise to work in the name of gender equity in Pakistan. “Growing up and seeing how society has no justice for women has put the innate sense of obligation in me,” she says. She took the government of Pakistan to court to challenge its “period tax.” A few weeks ago, the decision was made to remove the sales tax on menstrual hygiene products and contraceptives in Pakistan’s federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
Great Truth-teller, you chose Mahnoor to be persistent in her quest for equity. She has been a dedicated servant to you and to the people.
Reshma Saujani is the founder of Moms First, a United States nonprofit that advocates for mothers, especially through paid leave and affordable childcare. Reshma also founded the nonprofit Girls Who Code in an attempt to close the gender gap in coding and technology employment. In January, Saujani stood beside Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as they announced their plans for New York to deliver universal care for children under the age of 5.
Queen of delightful celebrations, remind us to shake our tambourines, in memory of Miriam, Reshma, and all the beautiful sisters who paved the way for us.
May we listen to women.
May we advocate for women.
May we honor women.
Amen.
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