There is nothing a woman can’t do—from running a household to running the world! The BBC 100 Women 2024 list proves exactly that. Every year since 2013, the BBC has published an annual list of women from all around the world who have made a difference in their communities, simultaneously changing the world one step at a time.
How It Started
BBC launched the series in 2013 after a heinous rape incident that took place in Delhi India. The Nirbhaya Case highlighted the fatal assault and rape of a 22-year-old girl that ultimately went viral throughout the world. That is when BBC editor Fiona Crack and other editors were inspired to create a series that solely focused on women, their issues and achievements no matter where they lived. The series has since then covered various issues like education, health, sexual abuse, domestic abuse etc. and has provided women with a platform where they can address their problems.
Pakistani Women Who Made It to the List
This year again, we witnessed an amazing list of women from all around the world who have been constantly making an effort to change society for the better. Among them are two Pakistani women: Baloch rights activist Mahrang Baloch and singer Hadiqa Kiani.
Read More: Malala Yousufzai, One Of 3 Pakistanis In ‘BBC Most Inspiring Women List’
Mahrang Baloch
Hundreds of Baloch women take part in the demonstrations every day against the alleged disappearance of Baloch people in Pakistan. Among them is the Medical Doctor and Political Activist Mahrang Baloch. Baloch’s calling came after her father, too, allegedly disappeared and was found dead two years later with signs of torture. Since then, Baloch has become an active part of the demonstrations under the banner of her own human rights group Baloch Yakjehti (Unity) Committee BYC.
Hadiqa Kiani
Singer and songwriter Hadiqa Kiani is not a name unknown to the Pakistani people. Kiani is one of the most celebrated singers in the country who rose to fame in the 1990s during the pop music scene. She has stayed relevant since. Apart from her beautiful voice, Kiani is also known for her humanitarian work ever since she launched the Vaseela-e-Raah project after the 2022 floods in Pakistan. The project has since helped build 370 homes and other facilities in regions of Balochistan and South Punjab.
Besides Baloch and Kiani, many other remarkable women have also made it to the list. Some of these names include 22-year-old journalist, Palestia Alaqad, from Palestine who covered the initial war days and shared the experience with her followers through her social media. Her memoir ‘Eyes on Gaza’ will be published soon.
Other names include media entrepreneur Hamida Aman from Afghanistan who launched the Begum Academy, an online space with free courses for students who can’t attend school after the Taliban regime. Photojournalist Christina Assi from Lebanon also made it to the list. She got severely injured in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon while reporting a blast. Hinda Abidi, chief editor of Somalia’s first and only women media team, was also among many others.
The BBC 100 Women 2024 list is evidence that women can reach new heights despite all the obstacles they face every day. With Mahrang Baloch and Hadiqa Kiani’s names on the list, Pakistanis cannot help but feel immensely proud.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.