PRESIDENT
Prof. Rita Süssmuth
As the former president of the Bundestag (1988 – 1998), Prof. Süssmuth has been the only woman whose term has lasted the third longest in the history of the party. Prof. Süssmuth’s tireless work in women’s rights advocacy has been largely shaped by her academic and political career. Her compassionate and humanitarian work has landed her many awards thus far such as the Magnus Hirschfeld Medal among many others. She was elected Woman of the year in 1987. Her role has been influential in every position she has occupied so far. In 2015, Ms. Süssmuth, along with a few other women (read more below), founded the Women’s Network for Change.
Prof. Rita Süssmuth
As the former president of the Bundestag (1988 – 1998), Prof. Süssmuth has been the only woman whose term has lasted the third longest in the history of the party. Prof. Süssmuth’s tireless work in women’s rights advocacy has been largely shaped by her academic and political career. Her compassionate and humanitarian work has landed her many awards thus far such as the Magnus Hirschfeld Medal among many others. She was elected Woman of the year in 1987. Her role has been influential in every position she has occupied so far. In 2015, Ms. Süssmuth, along with a few other women (read more below), founded the Women’s Network for Change.
VICE PRESIDENT
Dr. Ranjana Kumari
One of India’s best known academician and social activists, Dr. Kumari is perhaps mostly reputed as the Director of the Centre for Social Research (CSR). CSR was established in 1983 in order to empower not only women but any underprivileged and excluded being. She also serves as the Chairperson of Women Power Connect. Dr. Kumari’s academic career and background in research has enabled her to write extensively and lobby for human rights, in particular for women. She was awarded the Lotus Leadership Award in 2015 for her dedication in her work. Currently, her goal is to ensure the Women's Reservation Bill is passed. Dr. Kumari is also a member of the Facebook board (International Safety Advisory Board) as well as a member of Twitter’s Trust and Safety Council.
Dr. Ranjana Kumari
One of India’s best known academician and social activists, Dr. Kumari is perhaps mostly reputed as the Director of the Centre for Social Research (CSR). CSR was established in 1983 in order to empower not only women but any underprivileged and excluded being. She also serves as the Chairperson of Women Power Connect. Dr. Kumari’s academic career and background in research has enabled her to write extensively and lobby for human rights, in particular for women. She was awarded the Lotus Leadership Award in 2015 for her dedication in her work. Currently, her goal is to ensure the Women's Reservation Bill is passed. Dr. Kumari is also a member of the Facebook board (International Safety Advisory Board) as well as a member of Twitter’s Trust and Safety Council.
HONORARY MEMBERS
Oinikhol Bobonazarova
Ms. Bobonazarova is the first woman from Tajikistan to receive the International Women of Courage award from the U.S. Department of State (2014) and is also the first female candidate for President in Tajikistan’s history. In her work as an activist, Bobonazarova was arrested for “treachery” on the alleged charges of plotting a coup. Upon her release from prison, she served as a human rights counselor in the Tajik office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Later, she founded Tajikistan’s first independent prison monitoring program. Bobonazarova is presently serving as the head of Perspektiva Plus, a human rights group working on behalf of women, prisoners and Tajikistani labor migrants.
Oinikhol Bobonazarova
Ms. Bobonazarova is the first woman from Tajikistan to receive the International Women of Courage award from the U.S. Department of State (2014) and is also the first female candidate for President in Tajikistan’s history. In her work as an activist, Bobonazarova was arrested for “treachery” on the alleged charges of plotting a coup. Upon her release from prison, she served as a human rights counselor in the Tajik office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Later, she founded Tajikistan’s first independent prison monitoring program. Bobonazarova is presently serving as the head of Perspektiva Plus, a human rights group working on behalf of women, prisoners and Tajikistani labor migrants.
Linda Chavez
She is an American author, commentator, and former radio talk show host. The first Latina to ever be nominated to the United States Cabinet, Ms. Chavez was the highest-ranking woman in the Reagan White House. She has been a civil rights activist, working to change the role of Hispanics in America. She served a four-year term as a Special Rapporteur to the United Nation’s Sub-commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. As the founder of the Center for Equal Opportunity, the focus of her organization is on racial preferences, immigration and integration, and multicultural education. She now works in social and educational fields, raising awareness about minorities and biases that are present. In 2000, Chavez was named a Living Legend by the Library of Congress for her continued involvement and contributions to American culture.