The book – published at the end of 2024 – bridges a dialogue in the realm of challenging geographical, cultural, and spiritual differences, softly taking readers to envision a world where activism and compassion align – and thrive. It pays homage to three remarkable female leaders whose activism, education, and intellectual contributions challenge cultural and religious boundaries: Venerable Dhammananda Bhikkhuni (Theravada Buddhism), Monira Ahsan, and Amporn Marddent (both of Islamic faith). Venerable Dhammananda Bhikkhuni, the first fully ordained female monk in Thailand, leads the movement for gender equality in Theravada Buddhism. Monira Ahsan, a scholar and activist, advocates for human rights and education reform within refugee contexts in Southern Asia, and Amporn Marddent an academic whose work on gender and political activism bridges local communities and global feminist discourse.
You can download the book for free here: Active Lives
About the author: Ana Gretel Echazú Böschemeier (she/her) is the mom of Pedro (21) and Aimée (10). She is an anthropologist, associate professor, researcher, and translator working at the Department of Anthropology and the Graduate Program in Social Anthropology at UFRN (Brazil). Currently she serves as Scientific Assessor at the SQPT/DQC – Brazilian Ministry of Racial Equality.
Venerable Dhammananda, Ana Gretel, and author Cindy Rasicot who also collaborated on the book
Ana’s two lovely children in our lotus pond.