BBC’s 100 most influential women

 She has become a heroine, admired by women around the world for her strength and  fortitude, since the start of the trial of her ex husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 49 other men  charged with her rape and sexual abuse

AFP photographer Christina Assi, who was badly wounded by Israeli shelling in Lebanon, and  French feminist icon Gisele Pelicot were on Tuesday named by the BBC as among the top 100  most influential women of 2024.

Assi, 29, had her right leg amputated afer being hit by an Israeli tank shell while covering  cross border clashes in southern Lebanon in October 2023.

Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah was killed in the attack and five other journalists, including  AFP’s videojournalist Dylan Collins were also wounded. “The experience led her to campaign for journalists’ safety, and she dedicated her participation in the 2024 Olympic torch relay in Paris to all the journalists who have died in  the line of duty,” the BBC said. 

Assi told AFP it was an “incredible honour” to be included on the list, “especially as a woman  photographer in a field often dominated by men”. 

“This recognition is a tribute to all the courageous journalists who have been targeted simply  for doing their job,” she added.“I hope this acknowledgement highlights the importance of press freedom and the sacrifices  made in its pursuit.”

The BBC’s list is divided into five categories: science, health and technology; culture and  education; entertainment and sport; politics and advocacy; and climate pioneers.

The BBC says the list celebrates “those who – through their resilience – are pushing for change, as the world changes around them”. 

Pelicot was drugged by her ex-husband so she could be raped and sexually abused by him  and dozens of strangers while she was asleep over many years. She has become a heroine, admired by women around the world for her strength and  fortitude, since the start of the trial of her ex husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 49 other men  charged with her rape and sexual abuse. 

“By waiving her right to anonymity and allowing her story to reach the world, Gisele Pelicot  has become a symbol of courage and resilience,” said the BBC 

In the UK, Labour Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and opposition leader Kemi  Badenoch are also honoured, as is singer Raye, the breakout music star of 2023. 

In the culture category, the unforgettable star of “Basic Instinct”, US actress Sharon Stone, is  recognised for her career. 

In sports, Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade (holder of six Olympic medals, including two  gold) is included for having “overcome many severe injuries”. 

AFP