International Women’s Day provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate women who are fighting injustice using their platform. Here are some figures to look out for.

Tanya Compas

Tanya Compas is a Youth worker who works to raise awareness about some of the issues that Black LGBTQ+ youth experience. Exist Loudly, the charity that she founded, is about creating safe spaces for Black LGBTQ+ youth from London who are homeless or do not have a safe home environment. Through Exist Loudly, they are also granted the space to explore themselves creatively and simply exist in a community that supports them. One of the biggest events in their calendar is Queer Black Christmas which allows several people the opportunity to have a Christmas that they can truly enjoy.

Amanda Gorman

First rising to prominence as the poet that captured the hearts of those listening to the Presidential Inauguration of Joe Bidden with ‘The Hill We Climb’, Amanda Gorman uses her words to fight for change. Her lyricism is a testament to the fact that poetry is a form that can resonate with people and create a platform for those who feel like they do not have a voice. She advocates for a variety of issues such as youth literacy, and gender and racial equality. Gorman often talks about the importance of using creative outlets to integrate these issues with art and allow the way that they interact to show the world their importance. Even if you don’t have the words, you can still speak out and tell your story through other means.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka is someone who along with Simone Biles, is changing what mental health means within the world of sports. At the 2021 French Open, Osaka decided that would pull out to take a mental health break. This was met with a lot of scrutiny from the media. In a sport where the world is watching with heavy anticipation to see whether you succeed or fail, it can be a lot to bear. This is only made harder by the badgering of the press right after the match. When she declined to partake in the press conferences, she was met with an ultimatum. Either continue with the press conference or risk a punishment of their choosing. She set a boundary that would prioritise her mental health. She was met with support from her fellow athletes who could empathise with her struggle. There will be other opportunities to show people what you are worth. You must speakers up and advocate for your physical and mental well-being.

Soma Sara

As the Founder of the campaign Everyone’s Invited, Soma Sara is an advocate who speaks up about rape culture and sexism, especially within schools. She explores how it is typically swept under the rug, people afraid to put a name to what was. The site focuses on the anonymous sharing of testimonies which are shared on their site and Instagram. More than that, the lack of discussions that are being had around how prevalent this issue is is something that must be tackled. The website states that the site has allowed for ‘many survivors [to have] a sense of relief, catharsis, empowerment, and gives them a feeling of community and hope.’

For more articles that explore women who are advocating for issues through activism and businesses, Girl on a Mission lists a few including the aforementioned Tanya Compas and Soma Sara.