I believe that it’s important now more than ever for women to support each other. As a woman, I constantly strive to be strong and independent like these powerful female role models. I always try to remind myself that there are no limits to success if I believe in my power as a woman. I also get inspiration from the quotes and activist movements of powerful women around the world to believe that being a woman is one of the greatest things. Below are eight influential women whom I look up to when it comes to women empowerment, and think you should too.
1. Oprah Winfrey.
This list would not have been complete without her. She was not always as famous, however. She underwent teenage pregnancy, became a single mother, faced childhood abuse, and an early life of poverty. In her book What I Know For Sure, Oprah writes, “What I know for sure is that every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and step out and dance – to live free of regret and filled with as much joy, fun, and laughter as you can stand.” She is a true inspiration for all women out there.
2. Angela Merkel.
Angela was chosen TIME’s person of the year in 2015, and also always makes the top of the list of the most successful women in the world. In fact, she has been at the top Forbes’ most powerful women list eight times. She is Germany’s first female political leader and is the second person in their history to serve three terms as chancellor. She is also referred to as the de-facto leader of Europe or “the decider”. Germany’s economy has flourished during the crisis because of her leadership. I believe that in today’s world, no one else—no party, no individual politician—is as strong and stable as she is.
3. Emma Watson.
I grew up watching her as Hermione in Harry Potter Series. Even back then, she was one of my favorite actresses, and I admired how smart her character was in the movies. Not only she is good at acting, but also one of the generation’s newest voices of feminism, the actress got everyone’s attention with her moving speech in front of the United Nations for gender equality. She is dedicated to empowering young women across the globe and advocates for girls’ right to education.
4. Malala Yousafzai.
In 2012, the Taliban attempted to kill Malala for being an education activist and going to school when she was only 15 years old. She survived and went on to tell her story. Today, Malala is a global advocate and established the Malala Fund to bring awareness to the social and economic impact of girls’ education and to empower them to raise their voice. Yousafzai became the youngest Nobel Laureate after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. She believes that people should always believe in themselves, in their voice, and in their actions, despite the age and gender.
5. Diane von Furstenberg.
One of my favorite American designers, DVF has built her whole fashion career on female empowerment. The iconic wrap dress that she designed in the 70s became a symbol of empowerment for DVF herself. In fact, today, the wrap dress is studied in sociology classes as a symbol of women’s liberation and sexual liberation in the 1970s. The dress established a liberating style movement for all women around the world. In her own words, she wanted to be an independent woman, a woman who could pay her own bills and run her own life. She encourages all women that confidence is the key, and always reminds never to forget to be a woman. She has also founded the DVF Awards for women who have made positive impacts on the world through leadership and hard work.
6. Hillary Clinton.
Clinton is the only First Lady to ever run for public office, serving as the first-ever female Senator from New York, Secretary of State under President Obama, and, of course, as the first-ever female candidate in the 2016 presidential election. She is a symbol of strength and power for women across the world. “Women’s rights are human rights” expressed Clinton, a politician who dedicated her life to empowering women. In her 2016 concession speech, she expressed: “to all the little girls watching, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world.” Despite your political stance, no one can deny that she is one of the most aspiring women leaders of our time.
7. Michelle Obama.
While her husband was running the country, she worked hard for women empowerment. Supporting women and their education has been a constant part of her time as the first lady. While she was in the White House, Obama has launched Let’s Move!, a nationwide campaign to fight childhood obesity, Joining Forces, an initiative to support veterans, Reach Higher, a post-high school education advocacy campaign, and Let Girls Learn, a global movement to help girls receive an education at all ages. She continues to be a voice of support for women of all ages and an advocate for all.
8. Ellen DeGeneres.
Aside from her entertainment business, she is a top-notch philanthropist and equal rights advocate. 20 years ago, in 1997, DeGeneres decided to come out on her sitcom. Right after, sponsors pulled their advertising from the show, but DeGeneres ended up on the cover of Time magazine. Ever since, she has been fighting for LGBT rights, donates her earnings to tens of charities, helps animals… She is an activist, an inspiration, and a voice that should be heard worldwide. Ellen has helped so many people and continues to inspire people every day.
There are many women who marked history with their achievements, power, success and hard work to raise awareness of the concept of female empowerment. Ladies, never doubt your power. Females are strong as hell, and these women above are just some examples of what we can achieve by believing in ourselves!
Love,
Lale
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