It is well known today that Iran is one of the most dangerous countries for LGBTQ+ people. However, thanks to the actions and determination of one woman, Maryam Khatoon Molkara, Iran now carries out more sex reassignment surgeries than all but one country.
Biographies
Celebrating Dalit Women
Dalit, from the Sanskrit दलित, meaning ‘broken’ or ‘scattered’ is the lowest stratum of the Indian caste system. Otherwise referred to as ‘untouchables’, its people exist outside the traditional hierarchy. Dalit women are said to be one of the world’s most oppressed groups.
Olive Morris – Still Fighting
Despite being twice included on lists of influential Black Britons, Olive Morris is still frequently overlooked in British history. Still, she achieved much in her tragically short life and her legacy remains alive today.
Claudia Jones – Out From the Shadows
Now resting in the shadows of Karl Marx's giant tomb, Claudia Jones was an activist and pioneer who left no mere shadow on British culture, and it is time to bring her out into the light.
Empress Matilda, Lady of the English
In 1141, Matilda, daughter of Henry I, sat down to a victory banquet in Westminster, certain of her imminent coronation as Queen Matilda of England. Yet it was a coronation that would never come to pass - so how was England's potential first queen regnant foiled?
Amanirenas, Nubian Queen
In 40 BC, while Cleopatra was ruling over a stable Egypt, their southern neighbours gained a different badass lady as a ruler. Amanirenas was a fearless warrior queen who, despite her kingdom's small size, was able to stand up against the might of Rome.
Women of the Black Country
The stories of nine Black Country Women, specially researched for Black Country Day 2023.
Kristina of Sweden
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a king in possession of a crown, must be in want of a son. So much so, in King Gustav II of Sweden's case, that his daughter was at first announced as a son. Yet the future Queen Kristina would soon prove to be far more than what was then expected of her sex.
Rebecca Primus & Addie Brown
Had it not been for the letters sent from Addie Brown to Rebecca Primus (Primus's replies, though they certainly existed, have not been found), we would not know about the relationship these two women had.
Sisters: Las Mariposas
The International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women takes place every year on 25th November. The date was chosen in honour of Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa Mirabal, commonly known as ‘Las Mariposas’, three sisters from the Dominican Republic who were assassinated for their resistance against Rafael Trujillo, the then-dictator of the country.