A Humanist Reflection on Kshama Sawant’s Activism

Jamila Niamey (Niger Republic)

As a humanist woman from Niger, I am deeply inspired by the bold and uncompromising activism of Kshama Sawant. Though she works in the faraway city of Seattle in the United States, her message of justice, equality, and solidarity echoes across borders. Sawant’s work touches on some of the core values I hold dear: the dignity of every human being, the need to dismantle systems of oppression, and the power of collective action. Among her many contributions, three stand out to me as especially significant.

First, her courageous stance against caste discrimination is truly groundbreaking. To speak out against casteism, particularly in the diaspora, requires both political will and moral clarity. While many choose silence to avoid controversy, Sawant stood firm and helped pass a historic ordinance banning caste discrimination in Seattle. As someone who lives in a society also grappling with deeply rooted inequalities though not caste-based I find her action a reminder that justice must not be partial or selective. Oppression in any form deserves to be named and dismantled.

Second, Sawant’s focus on workers’ rights resonates deeply with me. In Niger, like in many parts of the world, workers especially women are often exploited, underpaid, and voiceless. Sawant’s efforts to fight for a $15 minimum wage in Seattle and her calls for stronger labor protections demonstrate how political power can be used to uplift the working class. I admire how she doesn’t speak for workers, but rather amplifies their voices and demands. It is a reminder that the fight for economic dignity must be global.

Third, her consistent advocacy for wealth redistribution challenges the very foundations of capitalism. As someone from a region with vast resources yet persistent poverty, I know what it means to see wealth concentrated in the hands of a few while the majority suffer. Sawant’s critique of corporate greed and her calls for taxing the rich are not just American issues; they reflect a global need to rethink how wealth and power are structured.

In reflecting on Sawant’s activism, I am both inspired and challenged. I ask myself: how can I, in my own community, be as bold in confronting injustice? Her work reminds me that even when facing strong opposition, truth and justice are worth fighting for. It is not enough to wish for a better world; we must organize, speak out, and act. Kshama Sawant shows us that radical change is possible when guided by principle, compassion, and solidarity.