In a world where leadership roles are still largely dominated by men, Shamiso Gotami has broken through deeply rooted gender norms to become a symbol of feminist leadership in Guruve District. Her journey is not just one of personal achievement, it’s a testament to the power of empowerment, feminist consciousness, and the impact of grassroots organizing.

Shamiso’s rise to leadership came despite cultural expectations that favored her brothers for the role. Yet, her dedication to community service and the confidence she gained through transformative leadership training from the IYWD made her the natural choice to lead. “I would not be who I am today without the teachings imparted to me by IYWD,” she says, acknowledging the role that feminist mentorship and political consciousness played in shaping her journey.

Chosen by her community as village head, Shamiso now serves as a trailblazer in a society where leadership is traditionally viewed as a man’s birthright. But she hasn’t stopped at symbolic victory, her leadership has ushered in real, structural change. She has fought for and secured land ownership rights for women in her village, a transformative step toward economic empowerment and independence for rural women.

As a survivor of gender-based violence (GBV) and a fierce advocate, Shamiso uses her leadership role to champion the rights of other survivors. She has created safe spaces for women to speak out, challenged harmful cultural norms, and demanded accountability in abuse cases. Her unwavering commitment to justice has made her a beacon of hope for women who previously felt voiceless and powerless.

Shamiso’s story is a powerful example of how IYWD’s feminist leadership model is producing changemakers who are rewriting what leadership looks like at the local level.  She is not just a village head, she is a feminist leader transforming systems from the ground up. Her story is proof that when women are supported, resourced, and believed in, they don’t just rise-they lead, they uplift, and they create futures rooted in justice, dignity, and equality.