21-year-old photographer Patience Dosita Uwiduhaye is a go-getting force-of-nature who has never let anything stand in the way of her goals.

Imagine turning on a tap and seeing dirty water pour out. What would you do? Would you drink it? Would you wash your hands in it? Would you give some to your child

“I call the children one by one to see what it is inside the box,” explains Amer,* an educator with the International Rescue Committee. “I explain to them that they will find the picture of a very important person inside the box, someone who set up his or her goals and achieved them.” Amer is one of IRC's educators who provide street and working children in Beirut, including Syrian refugees fleeing from war, with psychosocial support, recreational activities and basic literacy and numeracy classes. Educators facilitate a number of games, such as the mirror box, to help children improve confidence, creativity and thinking skills.

From championing refugee rights to advocating for other women, we’re celebrating these women leaders who won’t wait for change to happen.

12-year-old Nyaber was separated from her parents when violence broke out in her village - this is her story.

Melia had to face extreme dangers on her journey to collect water.

Abdu remembers looking out of the window of his house fondly. Alongside luscious crops he recalls seeing his three young children playing with their friends, and his father watching on.