In honour of Women’s Month, the National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) proudly presents the Women of Impact Series. This series celebrates the outstanding achievements of our female graduates, partners, and project leaders in the Humanities and Social Sciences. We showcase the groundbreaking research, extraordinary dedication, and inspiring visions of these accomplished women. Through their innovative work and unwavering commitment, they have advanced in their respective fields and shaped a more inclusive and diverse future. Join us in celebrating their remarkable contributions and stories.

1. What does the celebration of Women’s Month mean to you?

To me, Women’s Month is a painful reminder of the everyday struggles that women go through. A reminder of the many battlefields that we exist in, yet different institutions, organisations, and departments would only remember that gender struggles do exist this month. For many women and non-gender conforming folks, this month is a painful reminder that the struggle for gender equity, transformation, and emancipation continues every day in the theatrical backgrounds and that we need to continue fighting nonetheless. On a positive note though, this month is a reminder that we are not alone on this journey. There are women who have travelled this road before; they have fought and continue to do so even today, so that at least, as we continue fighting today, we do so knowing that we stand on the shoulders of giants who have paved the way for us, and the weight is lighter, our voices are louder—because they made it possible for us. We are who we are because they were! Aluta continua!—because we still carry the responsibility to create a better environment for the next generation where they will not have to fight to exist.