Manjula Pradeep and Mugdha Kalra, both from India, are among the inspiring and powerful women featured on the BBC 100 Women List 2021, which this year honors women from all across the world who are resetting the clock.
From climate activists and grassroots leaders to multinational CEOs and global megastars, the list honors those women who are helping to redefine our society, culture, and globe – with women from Afghanistan accounting for half of this year’s list.
Millions of Afghan women’s lives have been changed since the Taliban’s revival in August 2021, with girls being barred from getting secondary education, the ministry of women’s affairs being dismantled, and women in many cases being instructed not to return to work. As they reset their lives, this year’s list honors their tales, the magnitude of their bravery, and their accomplishments.
Among the Indian women are:
Defending the rights of India’s poorest populations as a lawyer and activist Pradeep Manjula – Manjula Pradeep is a Dalit woman from Gujarat who is well-known for her work against caste and gender discrimination. She is a member of the International Dalit Solidarity Network and has advocated for Dalit rights at the United Nations World Conference Against Racism.
Mugdha Kalra, a child-led movement that promotes inclusion and awareness of neurodiversity, is a co-founder of ‘Not That Different,’ a child-led movement that promotes inclusion and awareness of neurodiversity. She is the creator of a one-of-a-kind comic strip that aims to help all youngsters better understand autism and become allies to their neurodiverse peers.
Liliane, BBC News International Services Senior Controller: “It’s wonderful to see the names on this year’s list of 100 Women. Since its inception in 2013, the list has grown in popularity, as has the annual season. This is about increasing the visibility of women around the world and shining a light on smart women who have made significant contributions to our planet.
The BBC World Service will continue to focus on the hardships, resistance, and successes of Afghan women in this turbulent and challenging period, and we’ve dedicated half of our list to Afghan women to underline our dedication to them.
Rebel Wilson, the global famous comedian, actor, producer, and director, talks about what it was like to make millions as the “funny, overweight lady,” why she went on a “year of health” during the pandemic, and why she decided to speak honestly about her fertility issues in this year’s BBC 100 Women.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie discusses why she chose to be so outspoken about her grief after her parents died, the responsibilities of being a “feminist icon,” linguistic rigidity, “cancel culture,” and transgender controversies.
Vera Wang, a designer and fashion icon discuss ageism and how, at the age of 72, she became a viral sensation. The designer, who was born in New York, also discusses how to deal with the rising contradiction between fashion and sustainability, as well as what it means to be sustainable.
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