Rani Yan Yan
Rani Yan Yan is an Indigenous human rights defender and women's rights activist from Bangladesh, serving as the advisor to the Chakma Circle Chief. In 2014, she married Devasish Roy, the Chakma Circle Chief, and has since been known as Rani Yan Yan.
Career
As the Chakma Rani and advisor to the Chakma Circle Chief, she has effectively advocated for the appointment of more women as headmen and karbaris, ensuring women's rights are upheld within the traditional system.She has advised organizations on climate resiliency and gender equality, researched political participation of Indigenous women, and mentored youth activists on diversity and social inclusion.
In 2018, while supporting two Indigenous teenage girls who had been sexually assaulted, Rani Yan Yan was attacked.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she promoted simple, low-cost water supply systems to encourage handwashing in remote Indigenous communities, addressing health and food security challenges.
In recognition of her efforts, Rani Yan Yan was honored with the Global Anti-Racism Champions Award by the U.S. Department of State in 2023.