Bryna Subherwal, Global Head of Advocacy Communications, celebrates Sarah Sophie Flicker as part of Equality Now’s 30 for 30, featuring 30 women and changemakers who have played a key role in making equality reality as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations.

I’m honestly not quite sure when I first met Sarah Sophie Flicker. To be clear, this is not because she is forgettable (she is anything but)! Instead, it’s because she seems to pop up everywhere and be involved in everything. If you’re involved in feminist and social justice work in the US, you’ve probably taken part in an event, action, or coalition that she participated in. The Women’s March, The Citizens Band, The Resistance Revival Chorus, Joy to the Polls; these are just a few of the activism initiatives co-founded by Sarah Sophie, to say nothing of the numerous social justice organizations for which she produces and organizes campaigns.

What I really admire about Sarah Sophie (aside from her seemingly boundless energy!) is the joy and generosity of spirit that she brings to her activism. The systemic discrimination and ongoing human rights abuses against women and girls that I see day in and day out in my work can really make one start to lose hope some days, but Sarah Sophie understands that there’s real power in joy, and we build hope from knowledge, action, and a community of mutual care. 

Whether she’s hosting rehearsals (like she did for the protest performance of “A Rapist in Your Path” in New York City in January 2020), making sure activists are getting fed, or introducing people who can strengthen each other’s work —Sarah Sophie is a connector to her core. 

Thanks to Sarah Sophie, I know I’m part of a community of feminist activists who won’t hesitate to lend a hand to each other when needed or to combine our powers to achieve more than we ever could alone. And that not only gives me hope, but it also brings me joy.