Idania del Río and Guerline M Jozef, two Caribbean women have been recognized among the BBC's 100 Women list for 2024. Photo: Loop News

Idania del Río from Cuba and Guerline M Jozef from Haiti represent the region's dynamic female leadership, each making significant impacts in their respective fields of fashion entrepreneurship and immigration rights.

Idania del Río, a graphic designer and fashion entrepreneur from Havana, has transformed the Cuban fashion landscape by creating Clandestina, the first independent Cuban fashion brand to sell internationally online.

Her company, born during economic reforms under President Raúl Castro, stands out for its commitment to sustainable practices and upcycling.

Employing a majority-female design team, del Río's brand celebrates Cuban creativity while promoting environmental consciousness.

Haitian activist Guerline M Jozef has emerged as a powerful voice in immigrant rights, founding the women-led Haitian Bridge Alliance.

Her organization focuses on advocating for people of African descent, challenging systemic injustices through strategic legal and political action.

This year, her organization notably filed criminal charges against former President Donald Trump for harmful rhetoric about Haitian immigrants.

The BBC's selection process considered nominees who demonstrated resilience, influenced important stories, and made meaningful contributions to their societies.

The list aims to represent diverse voices across political and social spectrums, with a particular focus on women driving change at community and global levels.

Both women exemplify the power of grassroots activism and innovative entrepreneurship, bringing Caribbean perspectives to the forefront of global conversations about social justice and creative innovation.

The BBC 100 Women list is an annual recognition of women who have made significant impacts in their fields.