2020 brought historic setbacks for women, from the pandemic of gender-based violence to staggering economic blows. But what if 2021 was historic for moving us forward? At this pivotal moment, we must listen to the voices of women who have been silenced for too long.

Meet 21 women leaders from 13 different countries who are connecting online through World Pulse’s online community to power change on the ground. They’re using digital tools to share their stories, encourage each other, and create impact in their communities. Their wisdom and leadership can turn this global crisis into a better future for us all.

In Cameroon, she’s a beacon of hope and catalyst for change among women with disabilities and HIV/AIDS.

“I will always stand by the side of my vulnerable peers to ensure our rights are respected.”

Veronica Ngum Ndi knows firsthand how people can assume women with disabilities are on the receiving end of support. The CEO and Founder of the Community Association for Vulnerable Persons (CAVP) wants to change that narrative.

Veronica is working to end gender-based violence and the stigma that women with disabilities, teen mothers, and girls with HIV and AIDs face in Cameroon through her digital empowerment trainings.

Even amid an ongoing sociopolitical crisis in her country, she’s impacted more than 400 women. “In every dark cloud there is a silver lining,” Veronica says. “There is an opportunity to access a path of change.”

Support her work: Veronica seeks supporters to provide technology access for women with disabilities. Connect with Veronica on World Pulse.

This Bangladeshi engineer was the only woman in her class. Now she helps women learn to code, find jobs, and become financially strong.

“I am proud of training thousands of women, but we have the potential for millions.”

Achia Nila was the only woman studying computer science in her university program and the only woman in the engineering department at her first job.

“Engineering life is not easy for women,” Achia says. “I decided if I was going to do something, it would be making a platform for women in tech.”

Since 2013, Achia has trained close to 10,000 Bangladeshi women in tech and connected 7,000 women to work opportunities through her organization Women in Digital and her agency Lumina Development.

“Thousands of the women and girls we have trained have significantly changed deep-rooted social and gender norms in Bangladesh,” Achia says.

Support her work: Achia seeks more tech employers to create job opportunities. Connect with Achia on World Pulse.

In Australia, this Kenyan writer inspires women to share their stories and pursue education.

“The reason I advocate for other women is those women are me; I am those women.”

At age 11, Nini Mappo discovered the English language and fell in love with words. Today, her soulful writing and encouraging comments inspire women worldwide to share their stories and learn new skills.

As a Kenyan woman living in Australia for the past decade, Nini feels empathy for immigrants learning English in a foreign country. She has worked as an educator and mentor, helping others to discover and embrace their potential.

Nini says women tend to be the center of our communities. As they stand on the threshold of what was and what will be, she sees women’s education as a path to create strong societies.

“Without my education, my world would be very small,” Nini says. “The reason I advocate for other women is those women are me; I am those women.”

Support her work: Amplify Nini’s stories and share writing opportunities with her. Connect with Nini on World Pulse.

In India, she created innovative apps to allow women to report violence and access resources during the pandemic.

“We need to acknowledge every way in which we’ve gone wrong and recalibrate.”

As COVID-19 swept the globe, Kirthi noticed Saahas, the app she developed for gender-based violence survivors to report instances of violence, had a spike in downloads. Concerned about an uptick in gender-based and sexual violence, she and her team developed a COVID-19 GBV Tracker.

Kirthi has supported almost 28,000 survivors through Saahas and the tracker, expanding the app and conducting 8,400 virtual bystander intervention trainings.

She sees this as an important time to reimagine our global systems. “The egregious failing of capitalistic and patriarchal structures have brought us here,” Kirthi says. “We need to acknowledge every way in which we’ve gone wrong and recalibrate.”

Support her work: Help expand the Saahas app with recommendations of support helplines or organizations. Connect with Kirthi on World Pulse.

This counseling psychologist uplifts Nigerian women during the pandemic through resources and support.

“Someday in togetherness, we are going to bring to zero violence against women.”

As rates of violence against women soared and the economy plummeted in Nigeria during COVID-19, Busayo Obisakin mobilized her organization to meet the moment. The Women Inspiration Development Center (WIDC) created a food bank, then worked with a partner to train women to make and sell reusable face masks.

Now Busayo is scaling empowerment workshops to help lift women and girls out of poverty and gender-based violence. She’s already impacted more than 5,000 women and girls, with a goal of reaching 5,000 more through the Confident Girls program.

“I want to encourage my sisters around the world that we should keep the struggle on,” Busayo says. “Someday in togetherness, we are going to bring to zero violence against women.”

Support her work: Busayo seeks mentors for the Confident Girls program. Connect with Busayo on World Pulse.

She helps girls access reproductive health education and advocates for technology access in rural Kenya.

“At our center, we bring technology into all social and economic issues.”

Three months into the pandemic, the number of pregnant teenage girls in Kenya rose to 152,000, a 40 percent increase in its monthly average. “These indicators drove us out of our comfort zone,” says Eunice Owino. “We asked, ‘What can we do?’”

The co-founder of CWE-Tech, a tech-education initiative for girls, had already incorporated sex education into her pre-COVID sessions. Knowing girls were out of school and struggling to access resources, Eunice mobilized with partner organizations to host sex education sessions called COVID-19 EdTech.

These sessions have provided more than 780 students with critical health education and resources. The organization has also published a journal of research findings on COVID-19 EdTech in rural areas in Kenya. “At our center, we bring technology into all social and economic issues,” Eunice says.

Support her work: Eunice invites new partners to support CWE-Tech. Connect with Eunice on World Pulse.

She’s providing mutual aid to people with disabilities in rural India and reimagining online accessibility.

“The pandemic proved to the whole world who women are: how they are mentally strong, how they took care of domestic need...”

Tiffany Brar knew she had to find creative ways to support people with disabilities during COVID-19. Many struggled to access food and basic needs. They reported increasing rates of domestic violence and physical assaults.

The disability rights activist and founder of the Jyothirgamaya Foundation quickly mobilized, advocating for increased pensions for people with disabilities. Tiffany organized grocery deliveries, transferred money to those in need, and even secured donations of record players and smartphones for people with disabilities to have entertainment and a means of communicating.

As she led and participated in countless webinars, Tiffany became passionate about designing accessible online spaces. “I’m in a better place to advocate for accessibility now,” she says of the pandemic.

Support her work: Tiffany appreciates support for the Jyothirgamaya Foundation. Connect with Tiffany on World Pulse.

In Ghana, she’s creating a coloring book to bolster women’s representation and give girls role models in STEM.

“I aspire to embody the profile of a woman leading in tech and build other women.”

Last year, Lily Botsyoe attended a panel where a woman shared her struggle in finding a tech mentor. “Why don’t we put mentor stories into a book?” Lily thought.

So began STEM Girls Picture Perfect, a book-based approach to mentorship. Lily helps demystify STEM for girls, inspiring them to imagine a future in these fields.

The 50-page coloring book will be available as an ebook and printed copy. Girls can add their own words and even become penpals with the mentors.

Lily hopes the book will inspire one million women and girls to pursue STEM. “These fields aren’t just for men in white lab coats,” she says.

Support her work: Lily seeks illustrators and partners to print and distribute books. Connect with Lily on World Pulse.

This Nigerian activist is taking up farming to address food insecurity, poverty, and gender-based violence.

“Our leaders failed us, but I decided I will not fail women and girls.”

Early in the pandemic, Olutosin Oladosu rallied her community together on Facebook, announcing her plans to feed 400 Nigerian families. By mobilizing on social media, she raised $12,000 to feed 10,000 people.

Olutosin was already in the process of cultivating 10 acres of farmland before the pandemic hit. Now she sees farming as a means to generate income and alleviate hunger in her community.

“Our leaders failed us, but I decided I will not fail women and girls,” Olutosin says. “Even if it is just a smile or reassurance that they can have hope, I can assure them that tomorrow will be better.”

Support her work: Send Olutosin a private message to purchase her Trash to Treasure artwork. Connect with Olutosin on World Pulse.

In the U.K., this journalist hosts a digital space for women to empower, inspire, and impact the world.

“This is a platform for a multiplicity of voices to be heard. We believe in multiple stories rather than one dominant story.”

Shameela Yoosuf Ali always had a passion for empowering women and telling their stories. As she navigated living outside of her home country of Sri Lanka, Shameela launched an independent, nonprofit magazine called FemAsia in 2018.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from and what your background is,” Shameela says. “You can learn digital tools to empower yourself and others.”

FemAsia provided Shameela comfort and community as she navigated COVID-19 with a new baby and spouse who works in healthcare.

Shameela remembers when she did not know how to access the internet in 2006. Today Shameela oversees a digital magazine that reaches more than 30,000 people and aspires to reach 100,000.

Support her work: Shameela is developing a donate button on FemAsia. Connect with Shameela on World Pulse.

She’s empowering deaf women with digital skills to build livelihoods in Cameroon.

“Our leadership and our power as women is unique because we believe we are stronger together.”

Regina Afanwi grew up alongside her deaf sister Agnes in a time when there were few resources to support her. Before she died, Agnes opened a shop and helped train others.

Today Regina carries on her sister’s legacy as a sign language interpreter and founder of the Association for the Empowerment of the Deaf and Vulnerable Persons.

Regina has already impacted more than 700 people through digital workshops, giving deaf and hard-of-hearing women tangible skills to build a livelihood and train others. Through her partnership with Liluye and Mercy Seed Outreach, Regina has also supported human trafficking survivors with training on gender-based violence.

Now Regina is developing an empowerment center geared toward deaf and hard-of-hearing women. “My sister would be very excited,” Regina says.

Support her work: Regina seeks support to provide trainees start-up capital and purchase equipment for her empowerment center. Connect with Regina on World Pulse.

In Trinidad and Tobago, she’s a calm, resilient presence, providing a safe virtual space for self-care and healing.

“Our space is not on the sidelines nor at the back; our space is at the center, but we cannot get there alone.”

For years, Sherna Alexander Benjamin has counseled women and girls through isolation and despair. Now the human rights activist is shining a light on self-care and healing during the pandemic.

For an hour each week, 25–30 participants listen to calming music, go through guided meditations, and reflect with others in small breakout rooms during Sherna’s Consciousness-raising Peace Circle.

Sherna estimates the Zoom healing circles have reached more than 150 participants worldwide. In the face of mounting challenges, participants report feeling calmer and more resilient.

“Talking in itself is healing,” Sherna says. “It allows you to release your burdens and begin the process of healing.”

Support her work: Sherna is collecting old laptops and cell phones to support children with their education. Connect with Sherna on World Pulse.

She’s an unapologetic advocate for mental health, instilling hope and resilience in Cameroonian women.

“I am taking on a taboo and stigmatized subject, and I am unapologetically using my lived experience.”

After Marie Abanga’s brother died due to mental health challenges in 2014, she sought a psychotherapist’s support. “I loved the magic these people were working,” Marie says, noting why she combined her background as a lawyer with mental health advocacy.

Today Marie shares her mental health journey and advocates for others as the Founder of Hope for the Abused and Battered Cameroon.

Through her organization, Marie has helped nearly 50,000 people, de-stigmatizing mental health issues, giving women the tools they need to care for their mental health, and offering legal services to domestic violence survivors.

“I am taking on a taboo and stigmatized subject, and I am unapologetically using my lived experience,” Marie says.

Support her work: Marie seeks mentors to support her organization. Connect with Marie on World Pulse.

In Canada, she’s amplifying women’s leadership around the globe, ensuring women feel heard and supported.

“I find joy in women finding freedom.”

Longtime activist and educator Tamarack (Tam) Verrall remembers how celebratory it felt to open a tiny women’s center in Montreal during the 1960s. Today she marvels at how online communities have helped transform grassroots women’s organizing.

“Giving a platform to women’s voices is so precious,” Tam says. “It gives me such hope.”

The pandemic shifted Tam’s activism further online this year, but she brings the same wisdom and empathy that she has brought to in-person organizing for decades.

Each week, Tam spends countless hours poring over stories, sharing encouragement, and supporting World Pulse leaders. Additionally, she amplifies women’s stories, shares opportunities and resources, and writes thoughtful pieces.

Through her advocacy, Tam encourages people with privilege to consider redistributing their resources by financially supporting women changemakers.

Learn more about Encouraging on World Pulse and connect with Tam.

Mentorship made all the difference for her. Now, she connects women and girls across Africa with STEM mentors.

“Many women and girls are afraid to dream and excel. It’s about giving them encouragement and support.”

Amanda Obidike jumped from one unfulfilling job to the next after college. She was depressed and worried about gaining technical skills and experience to land a better job in Nigeria.

In 2018, an IBM data science training and mentorship program transformed her career. She wanted to help other young people build these skills.

Today Amanda runs STEMi Makers Africa, an organization that strives to boost employment, innovation, and inclusion in STEM pathways. Her goal is to reach two million young people across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

“Many women and girls are afraid to dream and excel,” Amanda says. “It’s about giving them the encouragement and support they need.”

Support her work: Amanda seeks women STEM mentors. Connect with Amanda on World Pulse.

In Uganda, her indomitable spirit helps women and girls to reach their highest potential.

“Unless we hear somebody’s story, we will not know what somebody is going through.”

After surviving attacks herself, Grace Ikirimat of Uganda became a passionate advocate for ending gender-based violence. She empowers women and girls, especially those with disabilities, to pursue a dignified livelihood.

“Everybody is somebody in this world,” Grace says. “Everybody has a story to tell. Unless we hear somebody’s story, we will not know what somebody is going through.”

Through her organization, Alias Women Our Roots (AWOR), Grace helps women with disabilities develop economic resilience through skill-building and support, sponsors girls’ education, and provides girls dresses.

Grace believes women hold the key to a better world. By empowering women with not only knowledge but skills and support, she’s helping women pursue their dreams for a brighter future.

Support her work: Grace seeks help ​establishing a tailoring​ workshop​ to train women with disabilities,​ and grants to support women’s groups such as Driwala Women. Connect with Grace on World Pulse.

In Canada, this gender equality facilitator creates safe spaces to practice courage and vulnerability.

“With my work, I give others what I needed.”

As Adriana Greenblatt developed a consulting practice centered on building safe, supportive spaces for women, she realized she needed to hold this space for herself.

The former human rights attorney embarked on a healing journey, sparking courageous conversations on World Pulse, inspiring others to share deeply.

Adriana helps organizations and individuals translate human rights — especially gender-based violence prevention — into everyday life, guiding them to match their actions with their values.

“We want to bring new life and inspiration to this work that is often heavy and sensitive,” she says. “We unite accountability and compassion.”

Bolstered by the concept of radical love, Adriana encourages women to take stock of their values and what lights them up.

Support her work: Visit the ALG website. Connect with Adriana on World Pulse.

This Nigerian activist and educator harnesses technology to make women and girls tech-savvy and resilient.

“You connect to people you’ve never met, you make an impact from your corner of the room, and you become limitless.”

Chinyere Kalu is no stranger to leading virtual workshops. Starting in 2016, she trained women on the signs and symptoms of perimenopause. Amid COVID-19 and the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, she taught women to channel their trauma and fear into creative writing.

Now she’s harnessing technology to mentor 20 Nigerian girls in coding and app building with fellow World Pulse member Basudha Modak of South Africa. Together, they’re helping girls become confident and empowered to solve problems independently.

“It gives me a lot of joy to see women and girls turning toward technology,” Chinyere says. “You connect to people you’ve never met, you make an impact from your corner of the room, and you become limitless.”

Support her work: Chinyere seeks internet access for girls and publishers or translators for her books. Connect with Chinyere on World Pulse.

Against all odds, she’s leading peacebuilding efforts to stop violent conflict in Cameroon.

“I envisage a time when every country, institution, or individual will take concrete action to put an end to the violence .”

In Cameroon, a four-years-long conflict has killed at least 6,000 people and displaced 600,000 more. Amid intensifying threats and the COVID-19 crisis, Cameroonian women such as Sally Mboumien moved their peace-building efforts online, mobilizing with other women-led organizations and coalitions.

“The violent conflict that has been going on for four years in Cameroon’s English speaking regions is not only the world’s most neglected conflict but also an encyclopedia of the most dehumanizing and traumatic abuse on women and girls,” Sally says.

While the international community has been largely silent about the conflict, Sally and other women leaders are undeterred in their peacebuilding efforts. In the face of death threats and displacement, they are calling for a permanent end to the violence.

Support her work: Sally asks you to sign her petition. Connect with Sally Mboumien and visit World Pulse’s Cameroon Hub.

This Nigerian tech leader trains girls to drive social change through tech, digital media, and storytelling.

“If there’s no space at the table, create your own table and bring the space to you.”

Carolyn Seaman founded the Girls Voices Initiative to speed up the journey toward gender equality and broaden the types of education and skill-building girls receive.

Through her Tech Tackle Hackathon Project and her Girl Nation social impact film project, Carolyn has reached nearly 1,200 girls. Even during COVID, she’s undeterred in broadening girls’ horizons and driving social change in Nigeria.

For example, after a Girl Nation film screening about child marriage, a male community leader promised to pronounce with other leaders that no girl child should be married again.

“If there’s no space at the table, create your own table and bring the space to you,” Carolyn says. “Engage and demand action where it needs to happen.”

Support her work: Carolyn seeks support in scaling and amplifying her programs. Connect with Carolyn on World Pulse.

In South Africa, this engineer and community leader ensures women and girls feel capable and worthy.

“When you’re educating a girl, you’re educating all the generations that are coming after her.”

In late 2018, Basudha Modak brought 20 women together to listen and share stories. The initiative called Storm in a Teacup grew beyond WhatsApp to support 250 women and girls with skill-building and resources during the pandemic.

“When you’re educating a girl, you’re educating all the generations that are coming after her,” says Basudha, the mother of a teenage daughter.

Through her partnership with Chinyere Kalu, Basudha also supports Nigerian girls learning to build apps by facilitating the apps’ marketing, debugging, and business plan.

Basudha wants to hold up a mirror to women and girls that reflects back love and possibility. “I have never been in competition with anyone, but am in an urgency to make my part of the world better,” she says.

Support her work: Basudha seeks donations and skill expertise for Storm in a Teacup. Connect with Basudha on World Pulse.

Source: https://medium.com/world-pulse/her-story-makes-history-21-women-leaders-to-watch-in-2021-8525b7bef55c