10 Women We Admire Celebrating International Women’s Day
This year, on March 8, let’s honour the courageous, generous, trailblazing women in our own lives and in the wider world. As a starting point, here are some of the women on the international stage who have inspired us over the past 12 months. We hope you will create a list of your own and share it with us.
Michelle Obama
The former First Lady was the most inspiring presence of the Obama era, planting the first White House vegetable garden since Eleanor Roosevelt, campaigning to end childhood obesity and championing women and girls.
Emma Watson
Actor, UN Goodwill Ambassador and convenor of Our Shared Shelf, an online book club focusing on work by women.
Angela Merkel
“We are stronger than terrorism,” said the German Chancellor, walking a tightrope between compassion and resolve.
Nadia Murad
The 22-year-old Iraqi activist escaped Islamic State (IS) slavery and is working with Amal Clooney to bring IS before an international court.
Meryl Streep
In her staunch, quietly spoken way, Meryl carries on defending human rights and artistic freedom, and chalked up her 20th Academy Award nomination in 2017.
Hillary Clinton
Former US Secretary of State, Senator and First Lady, Hillary waded through the mire of the 2016 presidential campaign with dignity.
Mary Robinson
Former Irish President Mary Robinson aims to protect the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people from the impacts of climate change.
Helen Clark
Known for constantly pushing the boundaries during her unrivalled political career, Helen was the first female director of the UN development programme – a role she steps down from next month after eight years.
Queen Rania
In 2016, Queen Rania of Jordan visited Australia, where she made an impression with her poise, diplomacy and powerful advocacy for human rights.
J.K. Rowling
As happy composing a 400-page novel as a pithy tweet, the creator of Harry Potter is also a defender of human rights and one of the UK’s most generous philanthropists.