It is time to celebrate the young women who are making a real difference.
In a decade where the Internet has become obsessed with the actions of the Kardashians and attempts to denigrate women based on their body, it is important to focus on women in media who are truly making a difference. These women are standing up for women’s rights, female empowerment, and are the successful and powerful examples of women that we should aspire to be.
Amy Schumer, 35
She was the only woman to make Forbe’s list of highest earning comedians in 2016, and we are proud of her for it. She is combatting the ideal celebrity body type and has often spoken out about being proud of how she looks and who she is. She has empowered women both physically and sexually and created a humorous voice for women in what is truly a man’s world. Watching what this woman does in the media is both entertaining and moving.
America Ferrera, 32
The successful actress and TV producer will be receiving the NAB Television Chairman’s award for her success in the industry. Ferrera is known for various roles in the early days of her career, but recently for her role in the five-part documentary series America Divided, which drew on issues of inequality, inadequate housing, education, and healthcare in America. On top of this, she delivered a monumental speech in Washington DC as part of the women’s marches that took place in late January.
Zendaya, 20
Her message is simple – inclusion for everyone. No matter where you fall on the spectrum of gender and sexuality, you are the target audience for Zendaya’s latest clothing line. Her most recent line for “Daya” caters to sizes 0-22 and is gender neutral. She has recently offered a modeling contract to a woman who was body shamed and is also a huge advocate for the black community and for women. She has spoken out against photoshopping in the media, especially of her, and is fighting the way media expects women to look. She is beautiful inside and out, and is someone who every girl should be following.
Mindy Kaling, 37
She has no problem speaking out about intersectionality and feminism. She is personally one of my favourite female celebrities, and if you haven’t read her book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? you should. She has battled racial typecasting in the media and is probably one of the strongest voices on body image issues. She tells it as it is and reminds women to be confident and proud of who they are.
Hayden Panettiere, 27
This actress is speaking out about mental health and maternal healthcare, issues that are both close to her heart. With her rising fame and personal experiences, she is truly beginning to change the conversation on mental health.
Daya, 18
The young musician has made an effort to talk about feminism in both her music and the media. She has discussed the problems with “slut shaming” and how girls need to stand together, not tear each other apart. She has so much talent and I am glad that she is already using her voice to speak out about real issues.
Chelsea Clinton, 36
As the daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Chelsea is known for her support of the LGBTQ community, enlightening her own father’s views on the matter. When Donald Trump’s ten-year-old son became the target of harassment during the election process, Chelsea spoke out in his defense. She is the Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation that works to increase opportunities for women and girls. Her special project is called “No Ceilings: The Full Participation Project working to advance the full participation of women and girls”. Currently, she teaches at Columbia University and continues to speak out for women’s causes.
Melissa Benoist, 28
The prior Glee star is playing Supergirl on TV right now and doing an amazing job of it. She has told the media that she wants girls to know that they can be superheroes and she has worked to portray a woman that can accomplish great things and be a role model for young girls. She has spoken out as a feminist and walked in the Women’s March.
Mehreen Baig, 27
The star of the BBC documentary Muslims Like Us, and a blogger, Mehreen has been speaking out about how Muslims are being portrayed and belittled to one stereotype. Currently in the UK, she is working to combat Islamophobia and speaks out about the power of education.
Emma Watson, 26
She is the UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador and her speech from 2014 still gives me chills. She has spoken out about being a feminist, taking an active role in society, and what it means to have gender equality. This year you will see her appear as Belle in Beauty and the Beast, where she refused to wear a corset to showcase a more realistic image. She always has a lot to say when it comes to women’s rights and is a woman that all girls should admire and aspire to be.
Malia Obama, 18
Malia has been in the public eye for many years, and from a very young age. While her parents flew off for a much-needed vacation, Malia began her internship reading scripts for The Weinstein and Co. The 18-year-old is an aspiring filmmaker. Monday, Malia was seen at Standing Rock alongside protesters in solidarity. She is currently taking a gap year and interning with Harvey Weinstein, but she will be attending Harvard in the fall and we expect amazing things from her.
Lady Gaga, 30
She is an advocate for women’s rights and is fighting to combat the stigma around sexual violence. As a survivor, she has pushed sexual assault to be a part of the conversion and taught other survivors that they are not alone. She spoke out at the Women’s March and signed the petition to urge action on women’s right to education. Lady Gaga is constantly representing strong women in both her musical career and as a feminist, and I am proud to be a fan.