Dr. Mahrang Baloch has been recognized by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) as one of the 100 most inspiring and influential women of 2024.
The announcement was made on Tuesday as part of the BBC’s annual ‘100 Women’ list, which “acknowledges the toll this year has taken on women by celebrating those who — through their resilience — are pushing for change in a rapidly evolving world.”
Dr. Baloch has become a prominent advocate against enforced disappearances in Balochistan. “In late 2023, Baloch led hundreds of women on a 1,600-kilometre march to the capital, Islamabad, to demand information on the whereabouts of their family members,” the BBC noted. “She was arrested twice during the journey.”
Her efforts as a medical doctor and activist have gained international attention. “The medical doctor has since then become a prominent activist, under the banner of her own human rights group Baloch Yakjehti (Unity) Committee,” the BBC wrote. “Her work in the field of human rights was recognised in the TIME100 Next 2024 list of emerging leaders.”
The BBC’s 2024 list also features astronaut Sunita Williams, actress Sharon Stone, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, climate activist Adenike Oladosu, and writer Cristina Rivera Garza, among others.
Dr. Baloch shared her response to the recognition on X (formerly Twitter). She described it as “a profound honor” and expressed her gratitude for being included among “brave and courageous voices from across the globe.”
“This recognition is the result of the collective struggle of Baloch women, the families of missing persons, and brave Baloch rights activists,” she wrote. “Despite facing extreme oppression, the Baloch people continue their fight for justice and human rights. This acknowledgment is a beacon of hope for all marginalized communities, affirming the power of resistance against injustice.”
Dr. Baloch dedicated the recognition to the mothers of missing Baloch persons and the Baloch nation. “despite facing enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and relentless oppression, they have chosen resistance over silence. Their unwavering resolve and active struggle inspire us all in this journey for justice,” she remarked.
Expressing her gratitude, she added, “Thank you, BBC, for amplifying our voices and recognizing our fight.”