We are incredibly proud to introduce our new Circle Champions: Deborah Frances-White, Mabel van Oranje, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, and Zainab Salbi.
These incredible women have long been supporters of The Circle and are passionate advocates for women’s rights, using their voices and platforms to challenge gender inequality and drive lasting change.
Raakhi Shah, CEO of The Circle, said: “We are thrilled to welcome our new Circle Champions. At a time when the fight for gender equality has never been more important, these remarkable women bring energy, expertise and influence to our growing community of global feminist changemakers. Together, we will continue to champion bold action, strengthen collective impact and work towards a future where there is safety and equality for all women and girls.”
Let’s get to know them:
Deborah Frances-White
Deborah Frances-White is an award-winning writer and comedian, best known for her hit podcast The Guilty Feminist. Her book, The Guilty Feminist (Virago Press) was a Sunday Times Best Seller. Her new book Six Conversations We’re Scared to Have was described by Gillian Anderson as “an essential guide in today’s polarized society.” Deborah is the screenwriter for Bad Fairies starring Cynthia Erivo for Warner Brothers and Locksmith Animation – out in cinemas in May 2027.
Mabel van Oranje
Mabel van Oranje is a serial entrepreneur for social change, committed to advancing equality, freedom, and justice. She has founded and advised numerous organisations, campaigns, and initiatives focused on human rights, democracy and international development. On gender equality, she is best known for helping to drive the global movement to end child marriage over the last 15 years, playing a catalytic role in establishing three key organisations: Girls First Fund, Girls Not Brides, and VOW for Girls. She is also a Global Leader of ‘All In’, a new initiative to end gender-based violence.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is a British-Iranian activist who was detained in Iran in April 2016 and was held hostage there for 6 years. She was released and returned to the UK in March 2022. Through her advocacy, Nazanin has become a powerful voice championing women’s rights in Iran and around the world. She is currently living in London with her daughter and husband.
Zainab Salbi
Zainab Salbi is a humanitarian, writer and social entrepreneur who has dedicated her life to women’s rights and freedom. She is the Founder of Women for Women International, a humanitarian organization dedicated to women survivors of wars, and the Co-Founder of Daughters for Earth, a fund and movement of women and girls rising up worldwide with climate solutions to protect and restore Mother Earth.
Learn more about our Co-Founders, Ambassadors and Global Feminist Champions
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