Peace Heroes by Charlotte Reece
Virginia Woolf was a groundbreaking British author, essayist, and feminist whose innovative writing and sharp intellect profoundly shaped modern literature and feminist thought. Born in London, she grew up in an intellectually vibrant household, surrounded by the works of great writers and thinkers.
Woolf’s literary career flourished in the early 20th century, and she became a central figure in the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of writers, artists, and philosophers who challenged traditional norms and embraced progressive ideas. Her novels, including Mrs. Dalloway (1925), To the Lighthouse (1927), and Orlando (1928), broke with conventional storytelling. Woolf experimented with stream-of-consciousness techniques, capturing the inner lives of her characters in ways that mirrored the complexity of human thought.
Beyond her fiction, Woolf was an influential essayist and critic. Her works A Room of One’s Own (1929) and Three Guineas (1938) remain seminal feminist texts, articulating the systemic barriers that prevent women from achieving creative and intellectual freedom. She famously wrote:
"A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction."
Woolf’s life was marked by struggles with mental health, exacerbated by personal losses and societal pressures. Despite these challenges, she left an indelible mark on literature and culture. Tragically, she died by suicide in 1941, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire readers and writers.
Virginia Woolf’s work remains a testament to her brilliance, courage, and commitment to exploring the depths of human experience and advocating for gender equality. She is celebrated as one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century.
Roger Waters, born in 1943, is a British musician and one of the founding members of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd. Renowned for his poignant and politically charged lyrics, Waters used his platform to advocate for peace, human rights, and social justice, making him not just an icon in music, but also a powerful figure in activism.
Waters' musical career is marked by his deep exploration of themes such as war, alienation, and the human experience, with albums like The Wall (1979) standing out as a monumental critique of societal structures, mental health, and personal isolation. His anti-war sentiments were particularly visible in The Final Cut (1983), which took on the themes of war and the repercussions of conflict, especially in relation to his experiences in World War II and the Vietnam War. His belief in peace and social justice became central themes of his music and his public persona.
As a passionate advocate for peace, Waters has continuously used his voice to stand against injustice. His activism grew stronger after his time with Pink Floyd, with Waters playing a prominent role in various campaigns and humanitarian efforts. Notably, he has been vocal about human rights, speaking out against oppression, and supporting causes such as the global campaign for nuclear disarmament.
Waters' dedication to peace and his ability to connect the political with the personal through his music resonates with his role as a peace hero. His works have transcended music, making him a symbol of resistance, courage, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of society. Through his music and activism, Roger Waters continues to inspire new generations to engage in critical thinking, challenge oppressive systems, and work toward a more just and peaceful world.
Pat Arrowsmith is a British peace activist and campaigner, best known for her work in promoting disarmament and advocating for peace during times of political tension and war. Born in the UK, she became actively involved in the anti-nuclear and peace movements in the 1960s and has been an outspoken advocate for global disarmament, human rights, and non-violent protest.
Arrowsmith's commitment to peace was shaped by her early experiences with the devastating consequences of war, leading her to challenge both government policies and the systems that perpetuated violence. She was an early member of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), a movement that sought to rid the world of nuclear weapons. She played a key role in organizing peaceful demonstrations and raising public awareness about the dangers posed by nuclear arms.
Arrowsmith is perhaps best known for her involvement in the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp, a significant and powerful grassroots movement that protested the presence of nuclear weapons at the US military base in Greenham Common, England. Thousands of women gathered at the base in the early 1980s, creating a lasting symbol of female-led peace activism. Arrowsmith’s tireless work during this period, along with other women from the camp, was instrumental in drawing attention to the nuclear threat and advocating for peaceful alternatives.
Over the years, Arrowsmith’s activism expanded to include other issues such as poverty, the environment, and human rights, always rooted in her belief in the power of non-violent resistance. Her peaceful protests, writings, and campaigns have earned her recognition as one of the leading figures in the British peace movement.
Pat Arrowsmith's legacy is a testament to the courage and dedication required to challenge militarism and promote a world built on peace, cooperation, and social justice. Through her activism, she continues to inspire individuals to engage in peaceful protest and work toward a more just and harmonious world.
Jeremy Corbyn is a British politician and activist renowned for his unwavering commitment to social justice, peace, and equality. Born in 1949 in Chippenham, England, Corbyn grew up in a politically conscious family that fostered his early interest in activism and community service.
Corbyn entered politics as a Labour Party Member of Parliament for Islington North in 1983, a position he has held for over four decades. However, it was his leadership of the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020 that propelled him to international recognition. His tenure as leader marked a significant shift in the party’s direction, emphasising grassroots movements and socialist principles. He advocated for policies such as free education, the renationalisation of public services, and an ambitious Green New Deal to combat climate change.
A lifelong peace campaigner, Corbyn has been a vocal critic of war, nuclear weapons, and military interventions. He served as the chair of the Stop the War Coalition, opposing conflicts such as the Iraq War and advocating for diplomacy over violence. His principles often made him a polarising figure, attracting both fervent support and staunch opposition.
Corbyn’s leadership style championed the voices of ordinary people, revitalising political engagement among young voters. Under his guidance, Labour gained over half a million members, becoming Europe’s largest political party by membership. Despite facing criticism from within his party and the media, Corbyn's impact on British politics remains profound, highlighting issues of inequality, climate justice, and workers' rights.
Though no longer Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn continues to advocate for change as an independent MP and activist. His enduring message is one of hope and solidarity, urging people to build a society rooted in compassion, fairness, and peace.
Eleanor Rathbone was a pioneering British social reformer, suffragist, and politician who dedicated her life to championing the rights of women, children, and marginalised communities. Born into a progressive and philanthropic family in Liverpool, she was deeply influenced by her father, William Rathbone VI, a Liberal MP and advocate for social reform.
Rathbone’s career began in earnest when she joined the suffrage movement, working tirelessly to secure voting rights for women. She believed equality extended beyond the ballot box, advocating for economic and social reforms that would empower women in all aspects of life.
As an independent Member of Parliament (1929–1946), Rathbone became a powerful voice in British politics. She is perhaps best known for her groundbreaking work on family allowances, introducing the concept of direct state payments to mothers to alleviate child poverty. This revolutionary idea laid the foundation for the modern welfare state.
Rathbone was also a fierce advocate for refugees, using her platform to campaign against the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany. She worked tirelessly to bring awareness to the plight of refugees fleeing fascist regimes, lobbying the British government to take action.
Her legacy is one of determination and compassion, embodying the belief that society has a responsibility to protect its most vulnerable members. Eleanor Rathbone’s tireless efforts paved the way for social policies that continue to support families and uphold human rights. She remains an inspiring figure in the fight for justice and equality.
Simone Weil was a French philosopher, mystic, and activist whose profound intellect and unyielding empathy made her one of the most distinctive thinkers of the 20th century. Born into a secular Jewish family in Paris, Weil displayed remarkable academic brilliance from an early age. She studied philosophy at the École Normale Supérieure, where she emerged as one of the most promising intellectuals of her generation.
Weil’s philosophy was deeply rooted in her commitment to justice and solidarity with the oppressed. She briefly worked as a factory laborer to understand the struggles of the working class firsthand, an experience that profoundly shaped her views on labor and human dignity. A lifelong pacifist, Weil also participated in political activism, supporting workers’ movements and volunteering in the Spanish Civil War, though her pacifism clashed with the realities of violence.
In her later years, Weil’s thought became increasingly spiritual. She explored Christianity, Hinduism, and other traditions, seeking universal truths about human suffering and divine grace. Her writings, including Gravity and Grace and The Need for Roots, reveal a profound concern with the tension between the material and the spiritual, advocating for a society rooted in compassion, humility, and a recognition of the divine in all things.
Weil’s life was marked by asceticism and self-sacrifice, often pushing herself to the brink of physical and emotional exhaustion in solidarity with those who suffered. She died in 1943 at the age of 34, likely from malnutrition and tuberculosis, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge readers.
Simone Weil’s legacy is one of radical empathy and intellectual rigor. Her life and writings invite us to confront the deepest questions about justice, suffering, and the nature of human existence.
Tano Jōdai was a pioneering Japanese scholar and peace activist whose contributions to education and international peace continue to be celebrated. After studying abroad at Wells College in the United States, where she earned her master's degree in 1917, Jōdai returned to Japan and became a professor at Japan Women's University (JWU). She was the first person in Japan to teach courses on American literature and history, introducing new fields of study to the country.
Jōdai's commitment to peace was influenced by her mentor, Inazo Nitobe, a prominent Japanese educator and diplomat. Following Nitobe's guidance, Jōdai founded the Japanese Women's Peace Association, which later became the Japanese chapter of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. In 1924, at Nitobe's recommendation, she studied at the University of Michigan and Newnham College, Cambridge, and then spent time at Nitobe's home in Geneva until 1927. These international experiences deepened her engagement with global peace efforts.
After World War II, Jōdai returned to Japan Women's University, where she played a key role in shaping the institution’s future. In 1955, she was one of the founding members of the Committee of Seven to Appeal for World Peace. From 1956 to March 1965, she served as the president of the university. During her tenure, she made the entire library collection accessible as open stacks and initiated the establishment of a "friends of the library" group to foster community involvement in the university's academic resources.
Her legacy is marked by her incredible work in both education and peace activism, advocating for women’s rights, global cooperation, and cultural exchange through both her academic and peace-building efforts.
Katharine Hamnett is a renowned British fashion designer and activist, celebrated for her pioneering work in sustainable fashion and her iconic slogan T-shirts. Born on August 16, 1947, in Gravesend, Kent, England, she studied fashion at the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. In the early 1980s, Hamnett gained international acclaim for her bold, oversized T-shirts emblazoned with large, block-letter slogans addressing political and social issues. One of her most famous moments occurred in 1984 when she met then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher wearing a T-shirt that read "58% DON'T WANT PERSHING," protesting the deployment of U.S. missiles in the UK.
A trailblazer in ethical fashion, Hamnett became aware of the environmental and human rights issues in the textile industry in the late 1980s. In response, she began advocating for sustainable practices, including the use of organic cotton and fair labor conditions. In 2005, she relaunched her brand with a focus on ethical production, setting a standard for the industry.
Throughout her career, Hamnett has used fashion as a platform for activism. In 2003, during a London fashion show, her models wore T-shirts with the slogan "STOP WAR, BLAIR OUT," opposing the Iraq War. In 2013, she designed T-shirts for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament with messages like "EDUCATION NOT TRIDENT" and "NHS NOT TRIDENT." In February 2024, she publicly relinquished her Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) distinction in protest against the UK government's support for the war in Gaza, wearing a T-shirt reading "DISGUSTED TO BE BRITISH."
Katharine Hamnett's fusion of fashion and activism has left an indelible mark on the industry, demonstrating the power of design as a medium for social change.
Emmeline Pankhurst was a trailblasing activist whose courage and determination helped ignite a revolution for women's rights. Born in 1858 in Manchester, England, she grew up in a politically engaged family that valued social justice. These early influences shaped her lifelong commitment to fighting for equality.
Emmeline is best known as the fearless leader of the suffragette movement, a campaign that sought the right to vote for women in the United Kingdom. In 1903, she founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), a militant organization that demanded immediate action for women's suffrage. Their slogan, “Deeds, not words,” reflected their bold tactics, including protests, hunger strikes, and even acts of civil disobedience.
While often controversial, Pankhurst’s leadership and unwavering spirit inspired countless women to join the cause. She faced imprisonment multiple times, enduring harsh conditions and force-feeding during hunger strikes. Yet, her resolve never wavered.
The outbreak of World War I marked a turning point for Emmeline. She temporarily paused the suffrage campaign to support the war effort, believing this demonstrated women’s capability and loyalty to the nation. Her advocacy paid off—women over 30 gained the right to vote in 1918, and by 1928, full suffrage was achieved, just weeks after her passing. Time named her as one of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century, stating that "she shaped an idea of objects for our time" and "shook society into a new pattern from which there could be no going back”.
Emmeline Pankhurst remains a symbol of courage, resilience, and the power of collective action. Her legacy reminds us that the fight for equality is a testament to the strength of those who refuse to accept injustice.
Bisan Owda is a Palestinian journalist, activist, and filmmaker whose compelling storytelling has brought global attention to the realities of life in Gaza. Born in Beit Hanoun, Gaza Strip, she has dedicated her career to shedding light on social issues, cultural heritage, and the human impact of conflict.
Owda produces and hosts "Hakawatia," a show aired on Roya TV that delves into Palestinian history and culture. Her commitment to social change extends beyond journalism; she actively works with organisations such as UN Women and the European Union, focusing on gender equality and climate change.
During the Israel–Hamas war, Owda's on-the-ground reporting provided an unfiltered view of the hardships faced by Gazan civilians. Her videos, often starting with "I'm still alive," resonated worldwide, amassing millions of followers and humanising the conflict for a global audience.
Her courageous journalism has earned her significant accolades, including a 2024 Peabody Award, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and a News and Documentary Emmy Award for her series "It's Bisan from Gaza and I'm Still Alive." These honours underscore her vital role in bringing the stories of Gaza to the forefront of international consciousness.
Bisan Owda's unwavering dedication to truth and justice continues to inspire and mobilise audiences around the world, exemplifying the profound impact of authentic storytelling in the pursuit of peace.
Croatian Peace Heroes
Colombian Peace Heroes
Iranian Peace Heroes
Indigenous Peace Heroes
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is a young American environmental activist and hip-hop artist. Martinez was born in Colorado but spent a large part of his life raised within the community of the indigenous Mexica. He was youth director of Earth Guardians until 2019 and has spoken to large crowds, including the United Nations, about the effects of fossil fuels on indigenous communities. Through his family, Martinez inherited the Mexica traditional knowledge of seeing an individual as part of a greater whole and of emphasizing a connection between all aspects of the natural world. It is through the inspiration of his indigenous upbringing that he become an environmental activist as he strongly believes the abuse of nature is "the tearing apart of a fragile and revered system.”
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim is an environmental activist and geographer from Chad. She advocates for the greater inclusion of indigenous people and their knowledge and traditions in the global movement to fight the effects of climate change. She is the President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT), in addition to that she is also co-chair of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC) and a member of the Executive committee of the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC). Ibrahim comes from the nomadic Mbororo community in Chad. Her parents settling in the capital, N’Djamena, allowed her to go to school which caused a lot of conflict between her mother, her father’s family, and her mother ́s own family.
Amelia Telford
Amelia Telford is a young Aboriginal and South Sea Islander woman from Bundjalung country, who is currently the National Director of the Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network. In 2012 she developed a program through the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and helps them to build sustainable projects in their area in order to protect their land and their communities from the impact of Climate Change. Also, Amelia was awarded National NAIDOC Youth of the Year 2014, Bob Brown's Young Environmentalist for the Year 2015 and Australian Geographic Young Conservationist of the Year 2015 for her commitment to building a more sustainable future for all young people.
Klemetti Näkkäläjärvi
Klemetti Näkkäläjärvi is a Finnish researcher and a member of a reindeer Saami family. He is greatly focused on Saami culture, language, environment and biodiversity. Näkkäläjärvi also worked as Sami parliament’s president in Finland which is the highest political organ of the Saami people in the country. He influenced a concept of prohibition of regression that serves to prevent the realisation of projects which would considerably impair the potential of the Saami people to exercise their indigenous peoples' rights. Näkkäläjärvi also assisted in implementation of Akwé: Kon guidelines in Finland - ‘’guidelines for the conduct of cultural, environmental and social impact assessments in developments proposed to take place on, or which are likely to impact on, sacred sites and on lands and waters traditionally occupied or used by indigenous and local communities.’’
Rigas Zafeiriou
Rigas Zafeiriou is a Greek cross-disciplinary researcher, consultant and manager on organic and sustainable agricultural systems, food networks and sustainable rural development. As a Project Manager for the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA), he developed and successfully implemented an innovative monitoring and certification system for high-quality, added-value olive oil production, which conserves biodiversity, maintains traditional agricultural landscapes and supports farmers' livelihoods. Moreover, among his many achievements in the field of agrobiodiversity conservation, he is part of the Integrated Nature Culture Approach (INCREAte) which promotes the interconnection of culture and nature by focusing on and designing more efficient conservation projects while also addressing human wellbeing.
Nemonte Nenquimo
Nemonte Nenquimo is an Indigenous activist and member of the Waorani nation from the Ecuadorian Amazon. As an avid environmental and indigenous activist, she was the Plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Ecuadorian government, which culminated in a 2019 ruling that protects half a million acres of Waorani ancestral land in the Amazon rainforest from oil drilling. In 2015, Nenquimo co-founded Ceibo Alliance, an Indigenous-led non-profit to protect Indigenous lands from resource extraction. She was elected the first female president of the Waorani organization of Pastaza province (CONCONAWEP) in 2018 and in recognition of her work, in 2020 the United Nations Environment Programme gave her the "Champions of the Earth" award in the category Inspiration and Action.
Jennifer Corpuz
Jennifer Corpuz is a lawyer from the Kankana-ey Igorot People of Mountain Province in the Philippines. She is the Global Policy and Advocacy Lead for Nia Tero, a US-based foundation that works alongside Indigenous Peoples to secure Indigenous guardianship and rights to traditional environmental knowledge. Corpuz is passionate about developing capacities of Indigenous leaders and was involved as negotiator and expert for the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB), representing indigenous peoples, at the negotiations leading to the adoption of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Through her legal advocacy, Corpuz has managed to protect the biodiversity of the land of indigenous communities around the world.