March Social Media Challenge: #WomanOfCourage

Last month, we celebrated Women’s History Month by asking Global UGRAD participants to highlight a #womanofcourage who has made an impact on their life. Below, Hala Al Amayreh, Risfi Pratiwi, and Victoria Anghel share their responses.


With the help of a friend, Hala drew this picture of her mother as a Mother’s Day gift.

One of the greatest blessings of life is being asked about the woman who has influenced my life. I could not find anyone greater than my mother to speak about. For me, my mom is the best example of a woman who has stood in the face of challenges with nothing but all the strength and determination in the world held in the warmth of her heart. She raised me and my two sisters as young, courageous, and independent women by herself. Fighting all obstacles, she managed to start her own business that is now providing everything we ever needed and supporting everyone around her when they are at their lowest. It is through her that I have learned what unconditional love is and that I can make a difference in the lives of others and the world. I shall live all my life serving the great causes she has planted in me, holding her lessons, wisdom and learning more from her.

-Hala Al Amayreh, Jordan


I met an inspirational teacher in my hometown back in 2015. I joined her class to enhance my English skills. At first, it was tough for me, because it was the first time where all the students were already good at their English. I was very anxious and insecure as I had no confidence in my skills. Throughout the course, however, she encouraged me to always try to speak more, advised me on how to get better in writing, and corrected me if I did something wrong. The best part was the women’s meeting. We discussed all things related to women, from education to motherhood, etc. She has opened my mind to a lot of things since then.

-Risfi Pratiwi, Indonesia

Victoria’s grandmother.

A woman that played a great role in my life is my grandmother. She has gone through a lot of things in her life but only came out stronger and stronger in every situation. She taught me what hard work is, that if you want to get anything in life you must put forth effort. If you want to succeed, you have to work rightfully, with good intentions for yourself and others.

-Victoria Anghel, Moldova