Soraya Fallah’s Advocacy Against Violence Against Women and Conflict-Related Violence
Soraya Fallah (ثریا فلاّح) is a Kurdish scholar, activist, and human rights advocate whose work has consistently focused on challenging violence against women, promoting gender equality, and advancing women’s rights in legal and social systems. Through grassroots activism, international advocacy, educational outreach, and creative expression, Fallah embodies a multifaceted approach to resisting violence, discrimination, and oppression.
One of the key early movements Fallah participated in was the One Million Signatures Campaign, an Iranian grassroots effort to collect one million signatures demanding the repeal and reform of gender-discriminatory laws that underpin systemic violence and inequality against women. The campaign sought reforms including the end of polygamy, equal rights in marriage and inheritance, and stronger legal protections against honor killings and other forms of violence.
Fallah was an active member of this campaign and was among the activists who first presented its message to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, helping amplify awareness of discriminatory legal structures that contribute to gender-based violence. In recognition of the importance of the campaign’s work, the One Million Signatures movement received prominent awards, including the Global Women’s Rights Award, highlighting its global impact.
Beyond legal reform, Fallah’s advocacy also extends into cultural and artistic resistance. She has used music as a platform to protest violence in conflict zones and the harm inflicted on women and civilians. One such artistic work is the song “The Weapon and the Womb,” co-created with musician Omeed Rafizadeh. Dedicated to the International Campaign to Stop Violence in Conflict, the song contrasts instruments of war with the symbolic power of life and denounces sexual violence, rape, and the widespread suffering of women in war-torn regions.
Soraya Fallah’s activism also includes leadership roles in human rights organizations and international platforms. As a founding member of the UN Women–US National Committee, Greater Los Angeles Chapter, she has worked to educate and mobilize communities to end violence, inequality, and poverty while empowering women to advocate for their rights.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign running annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day) to raise awareness, demand action, and advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence, with recent themes focusing on ending digital violence and promoting technology for equality. This UN-led initiative calls for collective efforts from governments, civil society, and individuals to support survivors, challenge victim-blaming, and create safer communities, often using the color orange and hashtags like #16Days and #EndViolenceAgainstWomen.
Fallah’s commitment has been recognized through multiple awards and honors for her dedication to women’s rights, human rights, and community leadership, demonstrating both the breadth and depth of her contributions to resisting violence and uplifting women globally
