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What does it mean to be an activist? From Greenham Common, to the Miner's Strike, to the Women's March, female activists have always had the power to shape the course of public debate. This month on Late Night Woman's Hour Lauren Laverne discusses activism's joys and tough choices with four women whose lives have been shaped - and threatened - by their activism.

Nimko Ali underwent FGM aged seven and spent years trying to make sense of what was done to her, before a chance encounter brought her into contact with pioneering anti-FGM campaigner Efua Dorkenoo. Nimko went on to found the charity Daughters of Eve, which has raised awareness of the threat to young girls from FGM and aims to put a stop to the practice worldwide.

Julie Bindel was fifteen and growing up in the North East of England when she became aware of the press coverage of the crimes committed by Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe. Her outrage at the portrayal of Sutcliffe's victims sparked a life of activism, and Julie later went on to set up the Justice For Women charity, which campaigns on behalf of women who fight back against, or kill, violent men.

Nicky Sadler was at the forefront of the Countryside Alliance's campaign to defend fox-hunting and involved in demonstrations such as the 400-000 strong 'Liberty and Livelihood' march in 2002, while still in her early twenties.

Mona Eltahawy is a feminist and pro-democracy activist. In 2011 she was involved in protests against the Egyptian government and was arrested by police during demonstrations in Tahrir Square. She was imprisoned and assaulted, but believes that her media profile secured her eventual release and that privileged activists should take the greatest risks.