Inspiring Women in Digital Rights: EFF Celebrates Activists & Pioneers

Celebrating Courage and Innovation: Women Honored by the EFF for International Women’s Day

Each year, as International Women’s Day arrives, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) takes time to recognize the contributions of women who have shaped the landscape of digital rights, freedom of expression, technology, and tech activism. In 2026, the EFF highlighted five individuals whose work has been particularly inspiring to its staff, showcasing a diverse range of dedication – from investigative journalism in the face of danger to foundational work in computer science and the ongoing fight for digital privacy. These honorees demonstrate the multifaceted nature of progress in technology and the critical role women play in safeguarding its ethical and equitable development.

Anna Politkovskaya: Journalism as Moral Courage

Jillian York, an activist at the EFF, chose to honor the memory of Anna Politkovskaya, a Russian investigative journalist whose relentless reporting on political and social abuses came at a tremendous personal cost. Politkovskaya endured harassment and violence, and was ultimately killed for her commitment to truth. York reflects that learning of Politkovskaya’s death early in her career underscored the very real risks associated with freedom of expression – it’s not merely an abstract principle, but a right people are willing to die for. Politkovskaya’s unwavering dedication to reporting on the lives of ordinary people, even when facing threats and pressure to remain silent, exemplifies moral courage in journalism. Her work serves as a potent reminder of the importance of holding power accountable and amplifying silenced voices. As York states, defending freedom of expression necessitates defending those who bear witness to injustice.

Cindy Cohn: A Thirty-Year Champion of Digital Rights

Corynne McSherry, EFF’s Legal Director, used the occasion to celebrate Cindy Cohn, her departing boss, and a pivotal figure in the organization’s history. Cohn has dedicated three decades to fighting for digital rights, leading EFF’s legal efforts and eventually the entire organization. A key aspect of Cohn’s work involved educating the courts about the fundamental principle that code is speech, deserving of constitutional protection – a concept that wasn’t universally understood when she began her career. She spearheaded legal challenges against mass surveillance programs, like those conducted by the NSA, even when facing obstacles like the state secrets privilege. McSherry emphasizes Cohn’s visionary legal work, exceptional writing skills, and tireless advocacy for user privacy, free expression, and innovation. Beyond her professional achievements, Cohn is described as warm, funny, and deeply compassionate.

Jane: The Origins of Information Security Practices

Sarah Hamid, an activist, highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of the Jane abortion counseling service, operating in the late 1960s and early 1970s. While often framed as a healthcare provider, Jane likewise pioneered information security practices that are remarkably relevant today. Facing the risks of operating outside the law, Jane developed a system of code names, compartmentalized roles, and minimal record-keeping to protect both patients, and providers. When Chicago police raided the collective in 1972, members prioritized destroying their records over preserving them, demonstrating a commitment to secure deletion that resonates with modern data security practices. The Chicago History Museum provides further detail on the collective’s history. The lessons from Jane – collect less data, separate what you do collect, and be prepared to destroy it – remain crucial in an era of escalating surveillance and data breaches.

Ebele Okobi: Representation and Inspiration in Tech

Babette Ngene, Director of Public Interest Technology, shared a personal story of inspiration stemming from an encounter with Ebele Okobi. Ngene, early in her career, felt intimidated at a tech and policy event focused on internet governance. Seeing Okobi – a Black African woman, a respected lawyer at Yahoo, and a confident speaker – immediately made Ngene feel a sense of belonging and possibility. Okobi went on to become a prominent advocate for digital rights and responsible innovation in Africa and globally during her time at Facebook. Ngene credits Okobi with inspiring her to remain in the tech and human rights space, emphasizing the profound impact of representation.

Ada Lovelace: The First Computer Programmer

Allison Morris, Chief Development Director, celebrated Ada Lovelace, the 19th-century mathematician and writer often credited with writing the first computer program. Lovelace recognized the potential of Charles Babbage’s theoretical General Purpose Computer to manipulate symbols beyond mere calculations, laying the groundwork for modern computing. Morris acknowledges the historical challenges Lovelace faced as a woman in science and the ongoing debate surrounding the attribution of her work, but remains inspired by her story of innovation and perseverance. Hey Jane offers a modern perspective on the importance of access to reproductive healthcare, echoing the principles Jane embodied.

The Ongoing Fight for Digital Rights

The EFF’s recognition of these five women underscores the importance of diverse perspectives and unwavering dedication in the ongoing fight for digital rights. From the courageous reporting of Anna Politkovskaya to the foundational work of Ada Lovelace, each honoree has left an indelible mark on the tech landscape. The stories shared by EFF staff highlight the interconnectedness of these struggles – the need to protect freedom of expression, defend privacy, promote responsible innovation, and ensure equitable representation.

Supporting organizations like the EFF is crucial to continuing this work. Donations empower the EFF to expand its efforts to protect privacy, speech, and creativity online. The EFF also continues to celebrate the contributions of women in the digital rights community through its annual EFF Awards, highlighting the impact of those working to shape a more just and equitable digital future. Past winners demonstrate the breadth and depth of this ongoing commitment.