London, Dec 03 (V7N) — The British media giant BBC has released its much-anticipated list of the 100 most inspiring and influential women of 2024. The list highlights remarkable women from around the globe, whose contributions span across diverse fields and challenges, reflecting resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Among the notable names are stranded astronaut Sunita Williams, rape survivor and advocate Giselle Pellicott, actress Sharon Stone, Olympic athletes Rebecca Andre and Alison Felix, singer Raye, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, visual artist Tracey Emin, climate campaigner Adenike River, and authors Cristia Olado and Chrystia River.

The BBC emphasized that the women on this year’s list have showcased extraordinary resilience amid ongoing global challenges, including the humanitarian crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, and Sudan, as well as rising post-election social divisions worldwide. These women have also been pivotal in combating climate change and raising awareness for social justice, using their influence to make lasting changes in their communities and beyond.

This year, Bangladesh's Rikta Akhter Banu, a nurse and educator, was honoured for her remarkable contributions to changing societal perceptions about disabilities.

Living in a remote area in northern Bangladesh, where disabilities are often stigmatized, Rikta faced significant challenges when her autistic and cerebral palsy-affected daughter was denied admission to a local school. Undeterred, she sold her land to establish the Rikta Akhter Banu Learning Disability School, which now provides education to 300 students with diverse intellectual and physical disabilities.

Her work has been instrumental in shifting local attitudes toward disabilities, fostering inclusion, and offering hope to families across the region.

The list is not ranked and spans across disciplines, celebrating women who are breaking barriers and inspiring change. From science and sports to advocacy and the arts, these women’s stories resonate globally, underscoring the need for continued progress toward equality and empowerment.

The BBC accompanies the list with interviews, documentaries, and articles, amplifying the voices and achievements of these extraordinary women on all its platforms.

For the full list and stories of the honourees, visit the BBC’s official website.

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