Women Activists from Balochistan and Kurdistan Nominated to BBC’s 100 Influential Individuals

LONDON – Two remarkable women activists from Balochistan and Kurdistan have been named among the 100 most influential women by the BBC, recognizing their relentless efforts to fight for justice, human rights, and women’s empowerment amid severe political and social oppression.

Mahrang Baloch: A Voice for the Voiceless in Balochistan

Mahrang Baloch, a medical doctor and political activist from Balochistan, has earned global recognition for her courageous advocacy on behalf of victims of enforced disappearances.

Baloch’s activism began after her father, Abdul Ghafar Langov Baloch, was abducted by Pakistani security forces in 2009. His lifeless body was found two years later, bearing signs of torture.

In 2023, Baloch led a 1,000-mile march from Turbat, Balochistan, to Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, demanding answers for the disappeared individuals from Balochistan.

Despite being arrested twice during the march, Baloch persisted in her efforts, gaining the support of hundreds of women and becoming a central figure in the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), her human rights organization.

Baloch’s tireless efforts have been recognized internationally, with her recent inclusion in the TIME100 Next 2024 list of emerging leaders, and now, as part of the BBC100 women, underscoring her global influence.

“This recognition is the result of the collective struggle of Baloch women, the families of missing persons, and brave Baloch rights activists,” Baloch shared, dedicating the honour to the courage of Baloch mothers and the ongoing resistance in her community.

Zhina Modares Gorji: Defying Oppression for Women’s Rights in Kurdistan

Zhina Modares Gorji, a Kurdish journalist and women’s rights campaigner from Sanandaj, Kurdistan, also earned a spot on the prestigious BBC100 list.

Known for her leadership in the Zhivano Women’s Association, Modares Gorji co-founded the group in 2019 to combat violence against women through education and protest. Her work has led her to the front lines of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, which advocates for gender equality and the end of systemic violence against women in Iran.

Despite facing severe government repression, including multiple arrests and a 21-year prison sentence for charges such as “propaganda against the regime,” Modares Gorji has remained unwavering in her commitment.

Her sentence was later reduced to two years and four months, but the determination of the Kurdish activist never faltered.

In addition to her activism, Modares Gorji has worked on a variety of projects, including the One Million Signatures campaign for legal reforms to address discriminatory laws against women in Iran.

She has also created a Kurdish women’s photography group, launched a podcast, and authored a children’s book to inspire young minds with the stories of strong Kurdish women.

Both Baloch and Modares Gorji represent the resilience and courage of women fighting against state-sanctioned violence and societal oppression. Their inclusion in the BBC100 list shines a spotlight on the struggles of marginalized communities and the power of resistance.

As Mahrang Baloch expressed in her response to the recognition, “Despite facing extreme oppression, the Baloch people continue their fight for justice and human rights. This acknowledgement is a beacon of hope for all marginalized communities, affirming the power of resistance against injustice.”

Their stories not only inspire those within their communities but also resonate globally, amplifying the voices of those demanding justice, equality, and freedom.

Mahrang Baloch is the second Baloch activist to be named among the BBC’s 100 most influential individuals globally. In 2016, the late Banuk Karima Baloch’s struggle was also recognised by the BBC. Karima was the first Baloch female activist to head the Baloch Students Organisation (BSO-Azad).