4 women changing the world
A celebration of International Women's Day.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Daily Dose is recognizing four women who are making the world a better place through their extraordinary actions and influence.
Queen Noor: Humanitarian
Born Lisa Najeeb Halaby in the United States, Queen Noor married the king of Jordan in 1978. She quickly became a positive force for promoting cross-cultural understanding among nations of the Middle East and for advancing Arab-Western relations. Queen Noor has had a profound influence on humanitarian efforts addressing poverty, intolerance, displaced refugees and sustainable development. She is a co-founder of Global Zero, which champions the reduction of nuclear weapons arsenals, and president of the education movement United World Colleges.
Maryam Durani: Rights advocate
The Kandahar Province is one of the most conservative and dangerous regions in Afghanistan. That’s where Maryam Durani owns and manages a radio station dedicated to the rights of Afghan women and girls. Despite several attempts on her life, Durani has loudly and visibly advocated for the civil rights of all Afghans as a member Kandahar’s Provincial Council and director of the the Khadija Kubra Women’s Association for Culture. In March of 2012, Durani (pictured here) was presented with the International Women of Courage award from Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama.
More from MSN Living: Women who inspire us
Aung San Suu Kyi: Opposition leader
Returning to her native Myanmar (also known as Burma) in 1988 after studying abroad, Aung San Suu Kyi initiated a nonviolent movement protesting the rule of dictator U Ne Win — and was promptly placed under arrest. Suu Kyi was in custody for 15 years and intermittently under house arrest until 2010. But her peaceful efforts to advance a democratic government against a brutal military regime, which helped earn her a Nobel Peace Prize while under house arrest in 1991, were never quashed. Her National League for Democracy has just launched a historic conference as the opposition party makes a bid for governing in 2015.
More from MSN Living: 2013 Good Housekeeping VIP (Very Innovative Products) Awards
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Activist and politician
Born in Somalia, Ayaan Hirsi Ali was forced into hiding after writing the screenplay for the short film "Submission," which was critical of Islam. Theo van Gogh, the Dutch director of the film, was assassinated. Hirsi Ali is a rights activist, writer and politician who has drawn the ire of Muslim extremists with her outspoken views on women’s liberties and atheism. As described in the memoir "Infidel," she has faced repeated death threats for her views and activism. Hirsi Ali currently lives in the United States. In 2007, she and her supporters established the AHA Foundation “to help protect and defend the rights of women in the West from oppression justified by religion and culture.”
More from Daily Dose:
'Nasty effect' of user comments
Rights women still don't have
Languages on the endangered list
Love content like this? Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and find us on Pinterest
Photo: Maryam Durani / Jewel Samad/Getty Images
inspire: live a better life
-
Respecting other people's beliefs
Editor's note: We will now be publishing Miss Manners articles twice weekly, but you will only see one question and answer per article. You can expect to see these articles appear on Tuesdays and Thursdays going forward.
-
5 heartwarming Armed Forces homecomings
President Harry S. Truman was behind efforts to establish the first Armed Forces Day in 1950, and decades later the nation continues to set aside the third Saturday in May to recognize and thank members of the U.S. military for their patriotic service. With these five homecoming images, we salute all service members at home and abroad.
-
8 Ways to Be More Productive Working From Home
There's much to be desired about working from home: the stress-free commute, flexible hours, and improved work-life balance.
-
25 things that will keep you young
Wishing for the fountain of youth? You may not need it. We've rounded up real-women secrets, tried-and-true beauty tips, and the latest research to help you fight aging.
-
10 phrases to avoid at work
Experts weigh in on when to bite your tongue at the office.
-
The crazy things you do to destress
Oh, the places you'll go — to get some "me" time, that is. REDBOOK readers confess all on Facebook.
-
Live happier on the money you have
How much money you make isn't nearly as important as how you use it, according to Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton, authors of the new book Happy Money.
-
What if you don't respect your spouse?
Plus, how do you ask people to not bring gifts to a shower?
-
Five resume updates to make now
Looking for a career upgrade? Follow these tips for a foot in the door.
-
7 sun lies we tell ourselves
These tanning and skin cancer myths aren't just wrong — they can do serious harm. Wise up and head into a healthier future. P.S. You'll look a lot younger too.
-
Find happiness in unexpected places
It's possible to rejigger your brain circuitry and feel more joy, even on Monday mornings. Here's how.
-
Meditation 101: How to feel more zen—anywhere
Inner peace just got easier. You don’t need quiet, incense or hours to meditate, and you can scrap the chanting. Better: Ninety-five percent of you say you’re calmer after a single 10-minute session. Whatever your excuse (see ours), get your om on and reap the rewards.
