In 2019, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, joined British Vogue’s editor-in-chief Edward Enninful to create a historic September issue dedicated to showcasing women who were making a difference. This record-breaking issue, titled “Forces for Change,” featured 15 influential women, including Jane Fonda, Salma Hayek Pinault, Greta Thunberg, and Laverne Cox. This was not merely a single moment but the beginning of an ongoing initiative spanning five years, with British Vogue partnering with various organizations like BMW, Nike, YouTube, and eBay to amplify the stories of those transforming the world.
Enninful emphasizes that the initiative aimed to create a movement, not just a fleeting moment. He believes in highlighting those who challenge the status quo and use their platforms to address crucial issues. To mark this anniversary, the original Forces for Change cover stars have nominated their champions for 2024 and beyond, recognizing individuals who continue to inspire and drive positive change.
Edward Enninful chose Yasmin Finney, a fearless and boundary-breaking trans activist, as his champion. Finney is leading the charge for the acceptance of a new generation of young, Black trans people.
Ilwad Elman, a Somali social activist, is another powerful force for change. Following in the footsteps of her father, a prominent activist assassinated in 1996, Elman has been instrumental in the Somali peace process for nearly 15 years. At just 20, she established Somalia’s first rape crisis center and, through the Elman Peace and Human Rights Center, provides rehabilitation for child soldiers, access to education and sports, and job creation opportunities. She has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Boxer Ramla Ali highlights Elman’s dedication, calling her a true inspiration who makes a difference daily.
Actor and humanitarian Angelina Jolie is recognized for her long-standing dedication to justice and human rights. Salma Hayek Pinault, an actor, director, and producer, praises Jolie for her commitment to advocating for refugees and for her courageous pursuit of change. Jolie’s role as a UN Refugee Agency goodwill ambassador and special envoy for over two decades has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals worldwide. Hayek Pinault further attests to Jolie’s impact, highlighting the positive life-changing experience of working with her on an upcoming film.
Greta Thunberg, a climate activist who graced the cover of British Vogue in 2019, has become a global leader in the fight against the climate crisis. She has amplified the voices of other young activists and organizations working to combat climate change. Thunberg’s unwavering support for individuals like Filipino climate justice activist Mitzi Jonelle Tan highlights her commitment to collective action.
Aurélia Sellier, the founder of The What Dance Can Do Project, brings the transformative power of dance to children worldwide. Francesca Hayward, principal dancer of the Royal Ballet, commends Sellier for her dedication to providing dance opportunities for sick, impoverished, and vulnerable children, fostering their physical and emotional well-being.
Josie Naughton, the CEO of Choose Love, a humanitarian aid organization, is a champion for refugees and displaced individuals. Actor Gemma Chan praises Naughton for her unwavering support, providing vital resources, hope, and dignity in the face of adversity.
Education activist Varaidzo “Vee” Kativhu is dedicated to making higher education accessible to everyone. Her own journey, overcoming challenges to study at Oxford and Harvard, fuels her commitment to empowering individuals, particularly young women, to pursue their dreams. Actor Yara Shahidi acknowledges Kativhu’s tireless dedication to promoting quality education and her remarkable ability to juggle demanding roles while remaining passionate about her work.
Joy and Jo Banner, twin sisters and founders of The Descendents Project, are committed to protecting the health and land of Black descendants of enslaved individuals living in Louisiana’s River Parishes. Actor and activist Jane Fonda explains the sisters’ tireless fight against the pollution caused by petrochemical plants in an area dubbed “Cancer Alley.” Despite facing significant health risks, they have successfully prevented further industrial encroachment by transforming plantation houses into historical sites.
Francesca Mills, an actor known for her roles in “Harlots” and “The Witcher: Blood Origin,” is recognized for her talent and for challenging societal perceptions. Writer and educator Sinéad Burke praises Mills for her authenticity and for using her platform to advocate for inclusivity.
Ego Boyo, an actor, producer, and executive producer, has been a prominent figure in Nigerian cinema since the 1990s. Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie celebrates Boyo’s iconic status, her challenging of societal norms for women, and her dedication to using her platform to combat sexual violence and promote women’s education and healthcare.
Amal Clooney, a human rights lawyer, is nominated by South Sudanese model Adut Akech for her tireless work advocating for human rights, particularly in Sudan. Clooney’s commitment to justice for victims of crimes against humanity in Darfur and her powerful call for greater attention to the conflict in Sudan make her a powerful voice for those often overlooked.
Alejandra Caraballo, a trans campaigner, teacher at Harvard Law School, and American attorney, is praised by actor Laverne Cox for her tireless work tracking anti-trans legislation in the United States and raising awareness about its impact. Caraballo’s work is data-driven but deeply rooted in empathy and a commitment to humanizing those who have been marginalized by policy and rhetoric.
Africa Brooke, a Zimbabwe-born writer based in London, is lauded by actor and broadcaster Jameela Jamil for her thought-provoking work on navigating political and social issues in a divisive world. Brooke’s book, “The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance,” emerged from her viral open letter and has become a valuable resource for fostering dialogue and understanding in a polarized society.
Alice Hendy, a cyber security expert, is recognized by model, actor, and mental health advocate Adwoa Aboah for her compassionate and impactful work in suicide prevention. After losing her brother to suicide, Hendy channeled her grief into developing R;pple, a digital intervention tool that aims to prevent similar tragedies.
Jennie Joseph, a midwife, is celebrated by supermodel and founder of Every Mother Counts, Christy Turlington Burns, for her decades of dedication to improving maternal health in the United States. Joseph’s pioneering work has made her a role model for midwives and a tireless advocate for women and birthing families.
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, a Chadian environmental activist, is recognized for her work with Indigenous peoples and their critical role in combating climate change. Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern highlights Ibrahim’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous knowledge in understanding and adapting to the changing climate.
These individuals represent a diverse range of fields and backgrounds, united by their unwavering commitment to creating a better world. Their stories inspire hope and offer a blueprint for positive change. As the “Forces for Change” initiative enters its sixth year, it continues to shine a light on those who are making a difference, reminding us that even amidst global challenges, hope and progress are possible.
