Sipho Sibanda is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and global solidarity, with a long-standing commitment to empowering women across borders. Having being deputy chair for Black and Minority Ethnic Women’s Network (BMEWN), Sipho Sibanda has been instrumental in organising and leading various women’s events, amplifying the voices of women within marginalised communities. Politically, Sipho has led the women’s wing of an opposition party from Zimbabwe within the diaspora (ZAWU) and her love for Politics has been extended to N/Ireland. At any given chances Sipho thrives at advocating for policies that promote equality and justice. As a champion for women’s rights, Sipho continues to fight for a world where every woman, regardless of her background or color, can live in safety and peace. Today, she stands firm in the belief that solidarity beyond borders is crucial for achieving global peace and equality.

Sonita Alizadeh was sold into child marriage at the age of 10 and escaped at the age of 16 when her viral music video, ‘Daughters for Sale’, helped her secure a scholarship to study in the United States. Through her music and advocacy work, Sonita has campaigned for women’s rights and against child marriage. She has received the MTV Europe Music Generation Change Award and the BBC 100 Women award. A feature film ‘Sonita’ was released in premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the festival's World Documentary Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. Sonita, who learned English upon coming to the U.S., graduated from Bard College in 2023. She is preparing to pursue a master’s degree in politics at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar in 2025.

Dawn Hopper was diagnosed with glaucoma five years ago at age 39. At the time Dawn was working as a Chartered Accountant in a busy role. Within three years Dawn’s sight had deteriorated to the point of being registered severely sight impaired.

 The need for numerous surgeries and long periods of recovery had a huge impact on Dawn’s mental health, yet she has found a positive outlook again through support from charities such as RNIB, learning new skills in using a long cane and braille, and sharing experiences with other people with sight loss.

Dawn originally from Donegal, living in Antrim for the last 20 years, is now Chair of the newly formed ‘Belfast See Change’ campaigning group, and speaks regularly for both RNIB and Guide Dogs, alongside new guide dog Mickey, raising awareness of the issues faced by those who are blind or partially sighted. Dawn also volunteers with Women’s Aid and is passionate about advocating on behalf of other with sight loss and in vulnerable situations, and encouraging others to reach out for support to live the lives they desire.”

Cori Strain is a young woman from North Belfast who goes to The Rainbow Factory and Dominoes group at YouthAction NI; Cori attended her first IWD rally last year and is passionate about equality and inclusivity and can’t wait to have her voice heard this year's rally!

Amina Moustafa is the Women’s Leadership Programme Manager at the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation supporting women who have been affected by conflict from across the island of Ireland and hosts an All-Island Women's Peacebuilding Network to connect women peacebuilders on an all-island basis and foster meaningful relationships that promotes peace. Amina holds a BA in Neuroscience from Trinity College Dublin and a Level 8 Degree in Global Youth Work and Development Education from Maynooth University. She is also the Development Director of Sport Against Racism Ireland and an advisor on the Sport Ireland Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

Sophie Nelson is a feminist organiser, and LGBTQIA+ activist. She works in policy and lobbying for HERe NI to increase equality for LGBTQIA+ women across the region, working closely with women’s sector in NI; sitting on women’s policy group and Belfast Women’s Assembly.  

Brenda Gough is a volunteer community gardener and Chairperson of award winning community garden, The Three Sisters Gardening Community Group West Belfast.

Part of the "Reclaim the Commons" and "Revamp Your Alleys" networks, Brenda is also involved in the Sustainable Food Forum.

She is pushing for "Growing Hubs" to be created, enabling communities to develop urban growing skills and these projects to be regarded as essential infrastructure."