WNC – Women's Network for Change

April 10, 2026

Maryam Akbari Monfared Released After 17 Years

A Proud Milestone for WNC Advocacy The WNC proudly announces the release of Maryam Akbari Monfared, one of Iran’s longest-serving female political prisoners, on April 8, 2026. Her freedom marks a powerful moment of hope and perseverance and stands as a testament to years of tireless advocacy, including efforts led by our organization. After nearly 17 years of imprisonment without a single day of leave, Maryam Akbari Monfared has finally been reunited with her family. Her case has long symbolized […]

March 30, 2026

Global Solidarity with Iranian Women: Paris Workshop Highlights Courage and Resistance

Each year, International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate progress, demand equality, and amplify the voices of women around the world. But for many Iranian women, this day is not only symbolic—it is deeply political, rooted in an ongoing struggle for basic rights, dignity, and freedom. This year’s global theme, set by the United Nations—“Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”—calls for dismantling structural barriers to equality, ending discriminatory laws, and taking collective action to ensure fundamental rights […]

February 1, 2026

WNC Extends Deepest Condolences on the Passing of Prof. Rita Süssmuth

Trailblazing German Politician and Champion of Equality Germany is mourning the loss of Rita Süssmuth, one of the most influential and respected political figures in the history of the Federal Republic. The longtime CDU politician and former President of the German Bundestag has died at the age of 88, as confirmed by current Bundestag President Julia Klöckner. She described Süssmuth as “one of the most significant politicians of the Federal Republic of Germany,” whose impact will be felt for generations […]

December 28, 2025

COP30 in Brazil: modest climate progress, but a clearer step forward for women

Belém, Brazil When world leaders, diplomats and activists gathered in Belém, on the edge of the Amazon, expectations for COP30 were high. Hosting the UN climate summit in Brazil carried a powerful message: the climate crisis is inseparable from forests, land rights and the lives of people who live closest to environmental destruction. The final outcome, however, was mixed. While governments adopted a broad package of decisions covering adaptation, finance and cooperation, the conference stopped short of delivering the decisive […]

November 16, 2025

Dr. Ranjana Kumari Leads India’s First Trust & Safety Festival in New Delhi

New Delhi, October 7, 2025 — India marked a landmark moment in global digital safety with the inaugural Trust & Safety India Festival (TASI Festival), hosted in New Delhi. Organized by the Centre for Social Research (CSR India) under the leadership of Dr. Ranjana Kumari, the festival convenes policymakers, industry leaders, civil society, and academics to address critical issues around AI, digital governance, and online trust and safety. Dr. Ranjana Kumari: From Gender Justice to Digital Safety For decades, Dr. […]

November 13, 2025

Women’s Network for Change Calls for Accountability Over Iran’s Escalating Human Rights Abuses at UN Human Rights Council

Geneva, Switzerland — September 2025.At the 60th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, the Women’s Network for Change (WNC) delivered a series of strong statements condemning the Islamic Republic of Iran’s ongoing human rights violations, including mass executions, persecution of women, and impunity for historic crimes. Between 16 and 23 September 2025, two WNC representatives — Ms. Amytis Marcus and Ms. Nida Amani — addressed the Council under different agenda items, urging urgent international […]

October 10, 2025

Jane Goodall: A Trailblazer Who Redefined Science and Inspired Generations of Women

When Jane Goodall entered the forests of Gombe, Tanzania, in 1960 with nothing but a notebook, binoculars, and boundless curiosity, she was doing something almost unimaginable for a woman of her time. Science especially the field of primatology was dominated by men, and few believed that a young woman without formal scientific training could contribute anything meaningful. Yet Goodall not only transformed our understanding of humanity’s closest relatives but also redefined what it meant to be a woman in science. […]

August 18, 2025

Challenges and Resilience Among Aboriginal Girls

Aboriginal girls across Australia and other regions carry the rich legacy of their cultures, languages, and communities. Yet, they face unique challenges that often remain invisible to the broader public. Understanding these experiences is essential to supporting their well-being, education, and future leadership. Many Aboriginal girls grow up in environments shaped by a history of colonization, dispossession, and systemic discrimination. These factors contribute to disparities in health, education, and social outcomes compared to non-Indigenous peers. For example: Despite these obstacles, […]

August 9, 2025

African Women: Courage, Quotas, and the Climb Toward Parity

Women in African Politics: Courage, Quotas, and the Climb Toward Parity

Across Africa, women are changing the face of politics—yet the journey toward equal representation remains steep. According to the 2024 Africa Barometer, women currently hold 26% of parliamentary seats across the continent, a modest increase of just 1% since 2021. At this rate, gender parity in African legislatures will not be achieved until the year 2100. This slow pace is not due to a lack of capable women leaders, but rather the persistence of deep structural and cultural barriers. From […]

April 17, 2025

Dominique Attias Honored as Officer of the Legion of Honor for Lifetime Legal Advocacy

In a ceremony held at the Paris Bar Association on April 10, 2025, Dominique Attias, a trailblazing figure in the French legal world, was awarded the title of Officier de la Légion d’Honneur—Officer of the Legion of Honor—in recognition of her decades-long dedication to justice, children’s rights, and the defense of fundamental freedoms. The award is one of the highest civilian honors in France, bestowed by presidential decree and announced in the Journal Officiel on July 9, 2024. Attias joins […]