Women across the world have been influential over time. There’s female representatives in politics, music, media, and social movements. Whether you’re a queen in royalty or the “queen of pop”, these women have revolutionized this era. They play role models in our society, for which younger girls look up to them, and they inspire us everyday! Here’s a list of twelve fine and fabulous females:
1. Ruth Bader Ginsburg (a.k.a. R.B.G.)
She is the second woman to serve in the Supreme Court and was appointed by President Bill Clinton. While on the Supreme Court, she successfully fought against gender discrimination and unified the liberal block of the court. She also has this extensive workout routine to keep her in shape, which you can (try to) attempt!
2. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is not just known for her unique and creative outfits, but she’s been on the top charts for several years now. She’s recently starred in A Star is Born, for which she absolutely shined in. If you want to get an insight into her superstar life, I’d definitely recommend watching her documentary: Five Foot Two — I give it 5 STARS!
3. Shonda Rhimes
Miss Shonda Rhimes! Oh, you haven’t heard of her? Well, she is the queen of television. She has written and produced ABC Network shows: Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder, and Grey’s Anatomy spinoff, Private Practice. She enjoys making you laugh, cry, and killing off your favorite characters. She has written her book, Year of Yes, where she describes her struggle and insecurity, but displays it on her TV shows and in her book.
4. Meghan Markle
All hail the new royal! Besides being busy with marriage to Prince Harry and expecting their first child, she keeps it elegant and classy with her fashionista wardrobe. She starred on the television series: Suits and starred in a few films. Fun Facts: Her first name is Rachel and at age 11, she advocated for women’s rights. Yes Duchess!
5. Tarana Burke
Miss Burke, we applaud you for founding the #MeToo Movement and for being an iconic activist. I personally, had the honor to see her speak at Rutgers University and she is truly an inspiration to women everywhere. Her speech was an empowering moment that encourages women and men to be aware of sexual assault in society and to support and acknowledge the survivors today.
6. Michelle Obama
First Lady Michelle Obama (2009-2017) has been a national superstar with her public campaign with, Let’s Move, which helps educate children of America to alternate their everyday life with healthy and nutritious food, exercise, and the awareness of the obesity epidemic. She has just written a new book called Becoming, which discusses her roots, to living in the White House and being a mother. We will forever love her with all our heart!
7. Betty White
Guess who just turned 97 years old? THIS GAL! Betty White has been making us laugh for decades and she’s someone who we must protect all costs. She has the longest career on television for any female entertainer. Whether it’s starring in a classic, like The Golden Girls or acting silly on The Proposal, she melts our heart with her bubbly spirit.
8. Emma Gonzalez
Emma Gonzalez is one of the survivors of the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, FL, which impacted her to become an activist and advocate for gun control. She is someone who’s brave and courageous and most definitely inspirational. She spoke at the March for Our Lives and it sent chills down the viewer’s spines and influenced others to be aware of the horrific violence that takes young lives away before they had a chance. Here is her transcript!
9. Mariska Hargitay
She plays the notorious Olivia Benson on Law and Order: SVU (20 seasons), but her good acts aren’t only reflected in her character on her show. She is involved in the campaign with NO MORE, which gives awareness for the prevention of domestic and sexual violence. Her documentary, I Am Evidence, reflects survivors’ personal stories, sexual assault cases process in the U.S., and how high the backlog of rape kits impact survivors’ lives. It’s a must-watch!
10. Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is an activist for education for girls and the youngest person to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. She was shot by the Taliban in October 2012 because they didn’t agree with her belief in female education and she fought just as hard to stay alive as she did for her social movement. She cannot be silenced and continues to speak up for those women who deserve the right for a free and safe education! She has also written a book: I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, which is a phenomenal read, for which she inspires young women today.
11. Ashley Graham
She is a model who stands for confidence and advances to expressing her beauty and figure. She has been on the cover of fashion magazines Vogue, Glamour, and Elle. She is a plus-size model, who embraces it with all her might, and she doesn’t let it define who she is. She is a pure role model to look up to and it should let other women know, their body is perfect the way it is!
12. Taraji P. Henson
She stars as the fierce and powerful Cookie Lyon in the television series, Empire. She just earned her Star on the Walk of Fame, which she well deserves. She speaks about the mental health stigma that affects the black community in her foundation: Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. She talks about how in Hollywood, black actors and actresses especially need to be represented more and how the wage-gap in Hollywood is something to be aware of. Here’s the best Cookie Lyon quotes to use everyday!
There’s an unlimited list of women all over the world who have influenced and impacted our lives greatly. There’s so many obstacles these women have endured and still fight till this day. What’s so great about female empowerment is, it affects each and every woman differently, but it has been going on for long time and will hopefully continue for generations of women to come.
Live. Laugh. Love. Women.