When anti-CAA protests erupted in the country last year, all Prime Minister Narendra Modi could see were the clothes with which the trouble-makers could be identified.

Turns out others took a closer look and found an inspiring and influential woman.

The BBC has included Shaheen Bagh “protest leader” Bilkis Dadi in its “list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2020”.

The BBC said: “At 82, Bilkis was part of a group of women who peacefully protested against a controversial citizenship law.

“She became the face of a long-running protest at the capital’s Shaheen Bagh, the Muslim locality where the protests were held. Indian journalist and author Rana Ayyub described her as ‘the voice of the marginalised’.”

Bilkis is quoted as saying: “Women should feel empowered to step out of their homes and raise their voice, especially against injustice. If they don't leave their homes, how will they showcase their strength?”

Her fight against the Citizenship Amendment Act had already led to her being included in Time magazine’s Time 100 most influential people in 2020 published in September.

In spite of spontaneous protests breaking out in several parts of the country, the Prime Minister, who had said in December that those setting the fire can be identified by their clothes, has done little to resolve the CAA issue.

Covid-19 prompted the protesters to suspend their agitation but BJP leaders such as Amit Shah occasionally rake up the new citizenship regime.

There is one other Indian on the BBC list – Manasi Joshi, the current para-badminton world champion. Manasi said: “This year has been challenging to women in so many ways. Don’t let the tough times get the better of you: keep exploring every possibility. Give yourself some time off every day.”

The Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, whose casting in Rahul Dholakia’s film Raees caused controversy in India in the aftermath of 2016 Uri attack, has also made the final cut. The BBC said: “She is outspoken against sexual violence, refuses to endorse skin-lightening creams and supports the fight against racism.”

The BBC said that this year’s list “is highlighting those who are leading change and making a difference during these turbulent times”.

“And in an extraordinary year — when countless women around the world have made sacrifices to help others — one name on the 100 Women list has been left blank as a tribute.”