5 Inspiring Women You Should Know

During the ever changing climate for women across the world, it is important to celebrate those that have been influential throughout history. So, in no particular order, here are 5 inspiring women you should know.

1. Emma Watson

Famously known for her role as Hermione in the Harry Potter films, Watson has become a role model for women across the world, even partnering as a Goodwill Ambassador with UN Women. She has used her voice in the fight for global women’s rights inspiring men and women alike to be more involved in feminism by launching projects like the HeForShe movement or her Goodreads book club, Our Shared Shelf. Her activism does not end there- she has also been involved in promoting girls’ education and fair trade for years, traveling globally to work hands-on with young girls.

2. Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is an incredibly brave individual that while advocating and fighting for girls’ education, survived and overcame an assassination attempt by the Taliban at the age of fifteen. Now the youngest laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize, she continues to campaign for children’s rights to education. With her family, she founded the Malala Fund, an international non-profit working for a world where every girl can learn and lead.

3. Amanda Gorman

You may have been introduced to the words of Amanda Gorman at the inaugural ceremony of the Biden administration as the youngest inaugural poet in US history, and the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. Gorman has overcome many obstacles, notably her speech impediment, and inspired others with her words that focus on oppression, ableism, racism, feminism, and marginalization. She stated she will continue to use her voice for activism in equality, education, and climate issues.

4. Gloria Steinem

Steinem, feminist journalist and advocate for the women’s liberation movement of the late 20th century, has spent decades as a global spokesperson on issues of equality. She has helped the world rethink gender roles and work towards a world of peace and justice. In the 1970s Steinem, alongside other prominent feminists, formed the National Women’s Political Caucus a grassroots organization dedicated to recruiting, training, and supporting women who seek positions in government.

5. Nicole Kidman

Okay– so you probably already know Nicole Kidman, but maybe you didn’t know of her achievements as a women’s human rights advocate. Alongside Watson, this Academy Award-Winning actress was appointed one of UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassadors. She has used her voice to call attention to violence against women and to empower young women to achieve social change. Kidman has been the international spokesperson for UN Women’s UNiTE, a campaign which calls attention to sexual violence worldwide.