IKWRO’s Diana Nammi has been named on a list of 150 women who shake the world.
The list has been put together by Newsweek and The Daily Beast – convenors of the recent Women in the World Summit – to honour women activists and the growing network of powerful women who support their efforts.
“They are heads of state and heads of household, angry protesters in the city square and sly iconoclasts in remote villages. With a fiery new energy, women are building schools, starting businesses, fighting corruption, harnessing new technologies and breaking down old prejudices. Whenever a woman or girl gains control of her destiny, the local standard of living goes up and the values of human rights spread.”
Newsweek and The Daily Beast plan to release a new list of inspiring women every year. This year’s list also includes Libyan law student Iman al Obeidi, who risked her life to speak out against rape by Gaddafi’s soldiers, Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and actress, director and UN Goodwill Ambassador Angelia Jolie.
“I am delighted with the news that I have been recognised as one of 150 women who shake the world,” said Diana Nammi. “It has been a long road with many challenges and many heartbreaking stories but ultimately, it has been enormously rewarding because of the changes we have brought about.
“I would like to thank those who nominated me and those who have supported me. In fighting against “honour” based violence and for women’s rights and equality I was not alone; thousands of determined women around the world are fighting for the same aim. I am grateful to IKWRO’s supporters, funders and staff, and to my family who have stood by me every step of the way.
“I would like to share my joy at this recognition with all of them. I dedicate this honour to all of the victims who have become survivors and heroines, and to the brave women who have lost their lives for simply claiming their status as a human being with their own rights.”
Diana was invited to New York by Newsweek and The Daily Beast last September to address a Women in the World summit hosted by them. She took part in a panel which was opened by Oscar winning actress Meryl Streep and anchored by ABC news presenter Cynthia McFadden, speaking about ‘honour’ killing, IKWRO’s Justice for Banaz campaign and what governments and organisations can do to protect women and girls from ‘honour’ based violence and forced marriage.