Lebanese activist, journalist, and humanitarian Hayat Mirshad has been named among the 100 top influential and inspiring women for 2020 by BBC.

Hayat is the co-founder of Fe-Male, a pioneer feminist collective in Lebanon founded in 2012 that fights for a gender equitable society where every woman and girl enjoys her rights and has her voice heard, instead of stopped.

As well as being the editor in chief of ‘Sharika Wa Laken’, a website that monitors and writes about the harsh realities women face, and demands equal rights for both genders.

‘Sharika Wa Laken’ also actively supports and uplifts feminist and human rights organizations in Lebanon.

The website is similar to “Takatoat”, a feminist collective initiative based in Jordan who has recruited Hayat among their board of trustees.

Unapologetic and uncompromising, Hayat has publicly made her mission known, which is to ensure girls and women have access to justice, information, protection, and human rights.

She continues to spread her message through various platforms by organizing nationwide marches and rallying the masses to challenge corrupt and patriarchal regimes and demand change.

“Despite the challenges and setbacks, women throughout history have challenged and fought against the patriarchy,” Mirshad told BBC. “Through solidarity, sisterhood, and love, we will continue the fight, and amplify our voices and demands for a just and gender-equal future.”

BBC’s “This year 100 Women” is highlighting those who are leading change and making a difference during these turbulent times.

The list includes Sanna Marin, who leads Finland’s all-female coalition government, Michelle Yeoh, star of the new Avatar and Marvel films, and Sarah Gilbert, who heads the Oxford University research into a coronavirus vaccine, as well as climate activist and actress Jane Fonda.

Considering BBC 100 Women cannot name every woman across the globe who has made a contribution, the first place on the list is left open to acknowledge the work of feminists all over the globe, and to remember those who have lost their lives while making a difference.

In an extraordinary year, when countless women around the world have made a sacrifice to help others, the space left open is designed to allow you to think of the people who have had an impact on you, over the course of 2020.

 

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