Let’s take a moment to honor the amazing women who have paved the way for progress, justice, and a brighter future. So many women have changed history through their bravery and what they've done. Yet, history continues to be written!
This is a list of 5 courageous women who have fought for rights, justice, and equality, not just for one, but for all women, and for all human beings. This is proof that women can be heroes and individuals of great merit as well.
Let us recognize and immortalize the moments of these women's stories.
Nang Charm Tong — Myanmar
In 1999, Nang Charm Tong and other human rights activists established the Shan Women’s Action Network (SWAN). Shortly after, Charm Tong traveled to Geneva to present cases of sexual violence against women and girls by the Burmese military, accounts of Shan villages being burned, and stories of villagers forced into labor for the Burmese Army.
SWAN has grown into an influential community-based organization, offering education to Shan refugee children and health information to refugee women. It also aids rape survivors, promotes opportunities for women, and empowers refugees through capacity-building initiatives to help them claim their rights.
Charm Tong continues to advocate for community empowerment and social justice education for young ethnic activists through the School for Shan State Nationalities Youth. She frequently acts as a representative for alliances of ethnic Shan community-based organizations that are fighting against increased militarization, natural resource exploitation, and continued human rights violations committed by government forces.
Charm Tong was recognized as one of "Women of the World" by Marie Claire magazine (2004), received the Reebok Human Rights Award (2005), and was featured by Time magazine as one of several "Asian Heroes" (2005).
“My only wish is that peace and freedom shall prevail in our homeland, in particular among women.” – Nang Charm Tong.
Risa Hontiveros — the Philippines
Senator Risa Hontiveros is a prominent advocate for health and women's rights, a dedicated activist, and a champion of the basic sectors. Notably, she holds the predicate of being the Philippines' first female socialist Senator.
Senator Hontiveros is widely acclaimed for her unwavering dedication to advancing public health, women’s rights, marginalized groups, and the well-being of Filipino families.
She has personally championed 25 significant new landmark laws, including the Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210), which grants working mothers 105 days of paid maternity leave, and the Mental Health Law (RA 11036), which establishes the nation's first legal framework for mental health care.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, Hontiveros has successfully navigated the passage of pivotal legislation such as the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (RA 11861), offering greater benefits for single parents; the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), safeguarding Filipinos, particularly women, from gender-based harassment in public; and the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Law (RA 11930), strengthening government measures to combat online abuse and exploitation of Filipino children.
Furthermore, she is acknowledged for her contributions as a peace advocate, having received a nomination for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for her efforts within the Philippine peace movement.
Dara Viravong Kanlagna — Laos
Dara Viravong Kanlagna, writing under the pen name Douangchampa (the Lao term for "Plumeria flower," Laos' national flower), is a Lao National Artist with many written works. Her literary contributions include some sixty short stories, ninety poems, seven novels, and the screenplay for the well-received film Boua Deng, which was featured at the 1988 International Festival of Cinemas of Asia.
Kanlagna's writing often explores issues about society, particularly the roles of women and education, the struggles and hardships faced by Lao women, and the inequalities that come from ancient traditions and poverty.
To raise awareness about the weaving tradition and the fact that textile production is an important female-dominated industry in Laos, Dara Kanlagna collaborated with the Group for Promotion of Art and Lao Textiles, consisting of experienced female weavers. This aims to record their personal stories and research on the weaving and dyeing practices and techniques of both the Lao people and ethnic minority groups.
The efforts of this project resulted in the creation and publication of the book Pha phae ni mi tamnan / Legends in the Weaving, which was supported by the Japan Foundation Asia Center.
Rasuna Said — Indonesia
As a prominent female activist who was vocal in her opinions, Rasuna often referred to as Singa Betina (Lioness) from Minangkabau or as Srikandi (warrior princess). This nickname emerged from her relentless struggle to voice the rights of women.
Through numerous speeches and her writings in newspapers, she consistently emphasized the importance of gender equality in access to education. Rasuna Said strongly believed that education was the key to elevating the status of women and liberating them from social discrimination.
In her efforts to champion women's rights, Rasuna Said was actively involved in the Sarekat Rakyat organization and also founded the women's branch of the Persatuan Muslimin Indonesia (PERMI). She actively campaigned and provided education on the importance of women’s roles in social and political life. She actively taught them to be courageous in expressing their opinions.
Rasuna Said also fought for women's rights in the economic field. She encouraged women to be financially independent by developing skills and entrepreneurship.
Her progressive ideas often faced challenges from conservatives, but this did not diminish her spirit in fighting for women's rights. Her contribution made her name immortalized as the name of a protocol road in the city of Jakarta.
Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan — Malaysia
At just 16 years old, Rasammah Bhupalan, a pioneering woman in the Malaysian independence movement, served in Burma during World War II as part of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, the women’s wing of the Indian National Army.
Coming from a family of dedicated teachers, she later established the Women Teachers’ Union in 1960 and became the principal of the Methodist Girls’ School in Kuala Lumpur. A strong advocate for equality, Rasammah tirelessly campaigned for equal salaries for women teachers, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity.
Her persistent efforts paid off in 1964 when the government finally approved equal pay for teachers. Rasammah's activism extended beyond education; she passionately fought for minimum wage increases, better pension benefits, and actively fought against rape and domestic violence.
Rasammah consistently continues to voice her views and remains an active member of the local activist community. She also founded the YWCA Vocational Training Opportunity Centre, providing valuable skills to girls from underprivileged backgrounds.
Not Right = Fight!
Women are entitled to all rights—all of us, regardless of gender, are entitled to all rights and opportunities in this world. Women can be anything, whatever you want, and whatever you dream of, you are entitled to it. You are not limited simply because you are a woman.
Through the brief stories of these women, we can see that the journey to achieve justice is not always smooth; it is full of twists and turns. However, instead of remaining silent, accepting an unchanging and oppressive fate, we can try to rise. Rise, fight, and get what should be our rights and justice.
It is okay if you are a woman. It is okay if your path of struggle is winding. At the very least, you have made an effort. As long as you have tried, it’s more than enough.
References:
- The Irrawaddy. Inspiring Women of Burma. irrawaddy.com/news/burma/inspiring-women-of-burma.html
- WikiPeaceWomen. Nang Charm Tong (Burma). wikipeacewomen.org/wpworg/en/?page_id=1388
- ABS-CBN. Women's Month: 5 Inspiring Filipinas You Should Know About | Knowledge Channel. abs-cbn.com/justlovekids/articles-news/womens-month-5-inspiring-filipinas-you-should-know-about-19238
- Senate of the Philippines. Senator Risa Hontiveros. legacy.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/hontiveros_bio.asp
- The British Library. Inspiring women writers of Laos: (1) Dara Viravong Kanlagna and Douangdeuane Bounyavong. blogs.bl.uk/asian-and-african/2021/01/inspiring-women-writers-of-laos-1-dara-viravong-kanlagna-and-douangdeuane-bounyavong.html
- Sally White. Rasuna Said: Lioness of the Indonesian Independence Movement. doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1qv1g3.9
- Siti Fatimatuzzaro, Nuriyadin. Simbol Inspirasi Perempuan dalam Sejarah Islam Nusantara: Mengkaji Kontribusi Rasuna Said dalam Bidang Politik. proceedings.uinsa.ac.id/index.php/konmaspi/article/download/2603/1519/
- SAYS. 9 Unsung Malaysian Heroes That Deserve A Spot In Our History Books. says.com/my/lifestyle/unsung-malaysian-heroes
- Free Malaysia Today (FMT). The women who built Malaysia. freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/08/31/the-women-who-built-malaysia
