History
Civil rights, suffrage, abolition — the long fight for basic human dignity.
A group of Brazilian trans women created the first HIV prevention program in Latin America. Led by biologist and activist Marta Suplicy, they met with government officials to discuss the rapidly spreading epidemic. This meeting marked a turning point in the fight against HIV in the region.
Indian sex workers organized to demand rights and won pensions through protests. Led by Dr. Smarajit Jana, they submitted a proposal to the government in 1997. The proposal was a result of years of advocacy by sex workers in India.
Women who underwent FGM are leading the charge against it. Nawal El Saadawi sparked activism in 1982. Campaigners like Efua Dorkenoo and Aida Touhill followed.
A Ugandan lesbian activist was killed by her family for her sexual orientation. The incident highlights the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda. The country's anti-homosexuality laws and societal attitudes contribute to these risks.
Greta Thunberg started a solo protest outside the Swedish parliament building in 2018. Her act of defiance drew attention to the urgent need for climate action. The protest soon inspired a global climate strike, sparking a movement that would change the world.
Native American boarding school survivors are fighting for reparations due to intergenerational trauma. The US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has heard testimony from survivors and activists. The struggle for justice and reparations continues, with many seeking acknowledgment and compensation for past wrongs.
The #MeToo movement started with Tarana Burke, a black woman from the Bronx. She coined the phrase 'Me Too' in 2006 to help other survivors of sexual violence. The movement gained widespread recognition after Alyssa Milano tweeted #MeToo in 2017.
Liberian women, led by Leymah Gbowee, began a sex strike to bring peace to their war-torn country. The strike was a pivotal moment in ending the 14-year civil war. The women's efforts ultimately led to the signing of a peace agreement, bringing an end to the conflict.
Kenyan women, led by Wangari Maathai, used a naked protest to stop civil unrest in 1992. The protest, held in Nairobi's Uhuru Park, was a drastic measure to bring attention to their cause. The women's actions were successful in stopping the war, bringing peace to the country.
Acid attack survivors in Bangladesh fought for justice and changed the law. Monira Rahman founded the Acid Survivors Foundation to support victims. Their efforts led to significant changes in the country's laws.
Rukhmabai, a 12-year-old bride, sparked the anti-child marriage movement in India by refusing to live with her husband. This act led to a landmark court case, changing Indian history. The movement aimed to eradicate child marriages and promote women's rights.
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a Dalit activist who wrote India's constitution. He fought for Dalit rights and converted 500,000 people to Buddhism. Ambedkar's work had a profound impact on Indian society and politics.
Malala Yousafzai, a 17-year-old Pakistani girl, was shot by the Taliban in 2012. She miraculously survived the attack and became an advocate for girls' education. Malala's story inspired people worldwide and earned her the Nobel Peace Prize.
Japanese-Americans were interned during World War II. The Civil Liberties Act provided $1.6 billion in reparations. Decades of activism led to this historic victory
The women's suffrage movement began in 1848 with Elizabeth Cady Stanton's speech. Women like Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul continued the fight for voting rights. The 19th Amendment was finally ratified in 1920, granting women the right to vote.
HIV/AIDS activists broke into the FDA headquarters to steal experimental drugs. The bold move was a result of frustration with the FDA's slow approval process. This event changed the course of HIV/AIDS treatment.
The 1992 LA riots led to unexpected alliances between Korean-American shopkeepers and Black activists. The shopkeepers, whose businesses were affected by the riots, joined forces with activists to rebuild and promote unity. This union helped to foster a sense of community and understanding between the two groups.
Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera established a shelter for homeless LGBTQ youth in New York. The shelter provided a safe space for those in need. Johnson's efforts paved the way for future LGBTQ advocacy.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed after a 7-year campaign. The campaign culminated in a sit-in at the Capitol led by Justin Dart. The Act was finally passed on July 26, 1990, marking a significant milestone in disability rights.
Heinz Heger, a gay Austrian survivor, met Rudolf Klimmer to reclaim the pink triangle symbol. The symbol was originally used by the Nazis to identify and persecute gay men. Heinz Heger's story marked the beginning of a campaign to reclaim the symbol.
Rekia Boyd, a 19-year-old black woman, was shot and killed by Chicago police officer Dante Servin. This incident occurred in Chicago, Illinois, and contributed to the formation of the Black Lives Matter movement. Rekia Boyd's death was one of many incidents of police brutality that went unresolved
Native American activists occupied Wounded Knee for 71 days in 1973. The occupation was led by Russell Means and Dennis Banks, and was a response to corruption and neglect. The event drew national attention to the plight of Native Americans.
The feminist movement split over pornography in the 1980s due to differing views on its impact. Andrea Dworkin and Catharine MacKinnon were key figures in the anti-pornography movement. The debate highlighted deep divisions within the feminist community.
Sidney Wolinsky sued nearly 100 cities for wheelchair accessibility, winning every case. His efforts led to significant improvements in sidewalk infrastructure across the US. Wolinsky's activism paved the way for greater disability rights awareness and implementation.