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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

With the rise of feminism and new and improved standards, it’s important to watch out for inspirational women. These include women who fight against stereotypes, go out of their way to improve life for other women, and genuinely want to foster change in the world. To me, these 5 woman are some of the most inspirational to fall in love with. 

 

1. Michelle Obama 

https://www.biography.com/people/michelle-obama-307592 

Besides the fact Michelle Obama is a dog lover, Chicago native, and a total boss, she is an advocate for children and healthy living. She is gracefully flawless, and has a great character. She is a role model for children and young girls and leads by example. She is proactive and always willing to get her sleeves dirty by being active in her causes rather than just promoting them. 

2. Angela Merkel 

https://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=https://www.forbes.com/prof…

Angela Merkel is a German politician serving as Chancellor of Germany since 2005. She is truly a powerful women and one to fall in love with for a few reasons. Currently, she is now on her third term in office which shows how smart and accomplished she is. Additionally, she is making history and happens to be the reason for minimum wage, which followed her campaigns to alleviate social justice. Another important fact is how she has managed to become so successful as a women in a male-dominant party. 

3. Malala Yousafzai 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malala_Yousafzai 

Malala Yousafzai is someone to LOVE because she is a female activist who fights for female education and is the youngest person to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize. There are many reasons to love this girl but the most obvious are her maturity and intelligence. Malala is a true inspiration to girls all over the world, and always makes sure to be candid and forgiving. She has been at death’s door a few times and spoke about forgiving the people who tried to kill her. If that is not enough to make you love this girl, I do not know what else will. 

4. Oprah Winfrey 

https://www.forbes.com/profile/oprah-winfrey/ 

“In my career, what I’ve always tried my best to do, whether on television or through film, is to say something about how men and women really behave. To say how we experience shame, how we love and how we rage, how we fail, how we retreat, persevere and how we overcome. I’ve interviewed and portrayed people who’ve withstood some of the ugliest things life can throw at you, but the one quality all of them seem to share is an ability to maintain hope for a brighter morning, even during our darkest nights. So I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon! And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again.”

Enough Said.  

5. Diane Von Furstenberg 

http://time.com/3822877/diane-von-furstenberg-2015-time-100/

Diane Von Furstenberg not only has a stylish clothing, handbag, shoe, and perfume line, she also started the wrap dress trend and is a legend because of it. On top of her successful career, she is strong and believes in being an independent women. Her first husband was a prince but she never wanted to rely on him financially, which is why she started her clothing line. Additionally, she is a huge feminist and likes to look at the bigger picture when it comes to life. 

“Don’t blame your parents, don’t blame your boyfriend, don’t blame the weather. Accept the reality, embrace the challenge, and deal with it. Be in charge of your own life. Turn negatives into positives and be proud to be a woman.” 

 

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