Women's History Month

To mark this month, as well as International Women’s Day observed on 8 March, we asked some of our colleagues at Nobel Women’s Initiative about their history. How did they come to dedicate their lives to activism and promoting gender equality? How do they mark International Women’s Day  

My Very Existence is a Political Act  

“From my earliest days, though lacking the vocabulary to articulate, I sensed injustice and oppression. It wasn't until later, as I matured, that I began to grasp that growing up within a Kurdish family in exile meant that my very existence was a political act. It instilled within me a deep yearning for peace, self-determination, and justice. Surrounded by resilient Kurdish women and captivated by their stories, I wanted to explore what peace meant beyond mere politics - what it meant for the brave women I was surrounded by every day and the brave sisters across the globe resisting violence. So far, though so close to our lived realities.

That determination for justice drives me to this day. This month I participated in a march on intersectional, transnational, and anti-imperial feminist resistance, and a fundraiser for humanitarian aid in Occupied Palestinian Territories.”- Dildar Kaya, Advocacy Coordinator   

Women Empower Women to Demand More 

“I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by my family, particularly my grandparents. My maternal grandmother was a very important figure for me. Her awareness of the world, and her determination to always seek to support other people, taught me to look at how unfair reality can be and take responsibility for making them even a little bit better. That sense of responsibility was strengthened by the courage and bravery of my mother and other (mostly) women, who taught and encouraged me to grow from the community, from empathy, dignified rage and love. With the passing of the years and the experiences I have lived, it has been reaffirmed in me to work every day to win peace and equity for all, and, with radical love, demand every day the guarantee of our rights, and the right to live free and without any violence.

This year I led a workshop called Feminism, why is it important now? for a group of girls and young women from a high school in Mexico. It is so important to keep engaging with young people, to hear their perspectives, while sharing with them the history and importance of feminist movements. I also took part in a march demanding a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine. ” – Amy Lira, Partnership Coordinator 

Gender Equality Isn’t Just About Women 

 “In 2007/08 Kenya held general elections and it was clear as day that they were rigged and the then incumbent president Mwai Kibaki was going to be sworn in against all odds. Tribal clashes followed and left thousands of people dead, forcefully evicted, women raped. Kenya was in total chaos, I lost friends still don’t know where they are or even if they are still alive. I know what war means. I have experienced it. I wouldn’t want to experience it ever again. This is why I champion peace.

This year, to mark International Women’s Day, I attended the #WangariMathaaiMarathon honoring Prof. Wangari Mathaai’s legacy of peacebuilding and nature preservation, serving as a reminder that even little actions matter. And that includes showing, in person, that gender equality is not just a women’s affair, men too can and should play a role. Gender equality benefits us all.”- Bill Omondi, Communications Coordinator  

We Can’t Achieve Peace Without Women 

“Growing up in a region affected by conflict, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact it had on individuals, particularly women and children. Their stories, resilience, and the pursuit of a dignified life in the face of adversity started to burn a fire within me. I felt a deep sense of responsibility to be part of the solution. I found myself drawn to initiatives that amplify women's voices. The experiences of women in conflict, their resilience, and their unique insights contribute significantly to building sustainable peace. We can’t achieve it without them.

For me, International Women’s Day is a time to demonstrate commitment to peace, and solidarity among women fighting for it. Together with other young women and men, we went to one of the refugee camps in our city, Goma. We joined a group of women and children. We danced, and shared a meal to bring a smile to their faces despite the atrocities we are witnessing in the Eastern part of DRC.”- Nicole Musimbi, Partnership Coordinator

A Parody of International Women’s Day  

“I used to dread International Women’s Day in Latvia, because while under Soviet occupation, the day was marked similarly to Mother’s Day - with flowers and chocolates for women. Trust the Soviets to turn what the day is meant to be into a parody. To this day, that legacy remains. Flower shops have queues down the street, ads glorify women’s beauty and femininity, the city is filled with men holding tulips. Local municipalities, celebrities and businesses put out greetings to the ‘beautiful women’.   
  
It’s only been a decade or so since any activities focusing on what the day should actually be about started. It started small, with women’s stand up events, discussions, workshops, the odd article. But now, for the sixth year in a row, a solidarity march against gender-based violence has been held. Other shifts are palpable too. Latvia finally ratified the Istanbul convention. Criminal liability for stalking and harassment has been strengthened. Latvian educational establishments are grappling with realities of sexual harassment and abuse perpetrated by professors. We continue to be among the top countries in the EU for women in management and top management positions. We have a female prime minister.

But still, as I walked to the freedom monument with my dog Lilu to take part in the march (she made it into the news for her participation!), I saw more flowers than participants. A man offering me a flower outside a store responded rudely, when I politely turned it down. I heard women expressing outrage that they hadn't received enough flowers..it made me sad, and angry. We’re getting there. But, I expect I’ll keep dreading this day for a few more years to come.”- Daina Ruduša, Head of Communications and Partnerships

Photos used in this blog were sourced from personal archives.