Three Kurdish Women Named ‘Superwomen of 2026’

In an international ceremony, 228 women leaders and trailblazers from around the globe were honored as the “Superwomen of 2026.”
Among the honorees were three prominent Kurdish women who earned this prestigious title.

In an exclusive statement to the official portal of the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation, Aurang Shaweis—one of the awardees—highlighted the significance of this achievement and called on the international community to form a global alliance to empower Kurdistani women.

On October 18, 2026, a global ceremony was co-hosted by the Mahila Udyami Foundation and the Kartikey Foundation.

The event was organized to honor the perseverance, courage, and achievements of influential women worldwide who have continuously strived to establish justice, advance society, and empower women.

Within this framework, three dedicated Kurdish women—Aurang Shaweis, Shirin Zaki, and Arez Mohammadi—were named “Superwomen of 2026.”

Their selection was based on their extensive experience, field achievements, human rights advocacy, and tireless service to society.

In her remarks to the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation portal, Ms. Aurang Shaweis noted that during the four-hour ceremony, she delivered an address bringing the voice of Kurdish women to the international stage.

She explained that her speech highlighted the extraordinary resilience and determination of Kurdish women, emphasizing that their history and experience transcend regional boundaries to serve as an inspiring model from which the world can learn courage and endurance.

Ms. Shaweis also shared that she issued a call to international institutions during the global forum to establish strong partnerships and alliances with the women of Kurdistan and support their empowerment across all fields.

In her view, achieving gender equality must not remain a distant slogan or goal, but must instead become a way of life and an enduring principle for humanity.

Emphasizing that this award represents a collective victory for all women of Kurdistan rather than a personal recognition, Ms. Shaweis stated that women’s solidarity strengthens society.

She added that when the world supports the role of women, a more just future for humanity is secured, as every woman deserves her crown of success.

In contemporary history, Kurdish women have played a crucial and sacrifice-laden role alongside men during difficult and pivotal eras—spanning from frontlines against oppression and terrorism to education, civil society, and human rights advocacy.

Despite successive crises, Kurdish women have consistently embodied resilience and proven their ability to adapt to adversity.

The recognition of three Kurdish women among 228 influential global figures by two international foundations reflects broad international acknowledgment of the strength and stature of the Kurdish women’s movement.

At the same time, this tribute underscores the need for greater domestic and international support for women in the Kurdistan Region, ensuring that equal opportunities and stronger legal and social frameworks enable them to play a more impactful role in political and economic decision-making, contributing to a stronger and more prosperous Kurdistan.