Women's History Month is a great time to not only celebrate the successes of women all over the world, but also to reflect on the work that is yet to be done. But there are many women who keep pushing for progress all-year round, whether through their own personal achievements in their fields or through their work fighting for the rights of women. The list of women worth celebrating is extensive, but this month, we're highlighting these seven, who are raising the bar and making their marks on the world in a positive way.
1. Ms. Oby Ezekwesili
Ms. Ezekwesili has had a storied career. She is the former Federal Minister of Solid Minerals in Nigeria as well as the former Federal Minister of Education in the country. She also served as VP of the World Bank's Africa division for five years. She co-founded Transparency International, a global anti-corruption body, and was instrumental to the formation and growth of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign following the 2014 kidnapping of nearly 300 Chibok girls. She continues to advocate for the rights and well-being of Nigerian girls and women, which makes her a woman worth celebrating. (Photo source: The Nation Online)
2-5. Our Winter Olympians
These Olympians are perfect examples of women overcoming obstacles to blaze new trails and make their dreams come true. Earlier this year, Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere, and Akuoma Omeoga led Nigeria into the 2018 Winter Olympics as the country's first bobsleigh team. Although they didn't win any medals in South Korea, they hold the honor of being the first team to represent an African country in the sport in the Olympics. The fourth Olympian equally worthy of praise is Simidele Adeago, the track and field athlete, who made it to Pyeongchang as Africa's first-ever female Olympic athlete to compete in skeleton racing. (Photo credit: bsfnigeria/Instagram; cnn.com) 6. Amina J. Mohammed
Amina J. Mohammed support for girl-child education and sustainable development are among the reasons she's on our list this year. Ms. Mohammed is the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN and the former Minister of Education in Nigeria. She served as a Special Adviser to former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and was an essential part of the creation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This included the Sustainable Development Goals (which GGAC supports!). As the former Minister, she led efforts on climate action, protecting the natural environment, and conserving resources for sustainable development. (Photo credit: UN) 7. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
As an award-winning author, Ms. Adichie has made her mark on the literary world through her books, including the full-length novels Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Americanah. Her work has been translated into over 30 languages and has appeared in multiple publications. In 2012, she helped launch a global conversation around feminism with her TED Talk We Should All Be Feminists, which has since been published as a book. Last year, she continued the conversation with her latest book, Dear Ijeawale or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions. For continuing to stand up for gender equality, we salute her. (Photo credit: chimamanda.com) We know this list is far from exhaustive. Let us know which exceptional women you're celebrating this month and all-year round! #WomensHistoryMonth