Honouring a collective movement: Reflections on the National Women’s Hall of Fame

I’m deeply honoured to be inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame alongside such an extraordinary group of women whose work has shaped history and continues to shape our future.

To be recognised by an institution rooted in Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the women’s rights movement in the United States, makes this moment especially meaningful. It is a powerful reminder of the generations who have worked to expand rights, and of the responsibility we carry to continue that work.

This recognition is not mine alone. It reflects the generations who came before us, the organisations I have had the privilege to serve over the past three decades, and the extraordinary commitment of the Equality Now team, our partners, and the many advocates, survivors, and changemakers who have driven reform of more than 135 discriminatory laws worldwide.

That progress has been built through persistence, partnership, and a shared belief in a future where all voices matter in decision-making. Together, this work has touched the lives of millions of women and girls and their communities, now and for generations to come.

I am equally inspired to be recognised alongside this year’s inductees – women across disciplines whose leadership expands what is possible. At a time when hard-won rights are being tested, this moment is both a reflection of how far we’ve come and a reminder of how much further we must go.

Legal equality for women and girls is not aspirational but  is foundational to just and thriving societies. This recognition belongs to a global movement working to make that a reality.

Grateful for this recognition, and even more committed to the work ahead.