NICKY LOVES
Welcome to marie claire’s Women of the Year issue, our annual celebration of the game changers who’ve led with passion, fought with bravery and inspired us all in 2021. While honing our selection was no easy feat – so many powerhouse women have made seismic achievements in politics, sport, leadership and social justice – deciding who should helm the cover was simple. At the top of our list were activists, campaigners and soon-to-be authors Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins, who together ignited a long-overdue reckoning for women in Australia. Earlier this year, their bravery and advocacy inspired the nationwide March4Justice rally, where hundreds of thousands took to the streets calling for an end to gender-based violence in schools and homes, at work, and in seats of power. But that was just the beginning. Since then, they’ve continued to champion legislative and policy change to ensure women and children feel safe. Between them, they’ve delivered countless speeches and crisscrossed the country to meet politicians, policymakers, frontline workers and survivors of abuse. Importantly, their work has prompted others to stand up and speak out, including consent campaigner Chanel Contos and workplace-safety advocate Christine Holgate, who are also on our esteemed list. Put simply, our cover duo have changed Australia forever – and for the better.
Yet while Grace and Brittany have been inextricably linked all year as spearheading Australia’s own Me Too movement, astoundingly they first met only two months ago at the National Summit on Women’s Safety. They’ve since become firm friends, often catching up over Zoom from their respective home towns of Hobart and Brisbane and lending words of support on social media (turn to page 24 to read what the pair have to say about each other). Even Grace and Brittany’s fiercely supportive partners – Max Heerey and David Sharaz (respectively) – are now mates. “We’ve become a weird family of four,” said David at our Brisbane shoot. “We are bonded by our experiences, but also by our shared passion to see change.”
For me, Grace and Brittany have proven marie claire’s long-held view that when women come together, magic happens. And while 2021 catapulted these extraordinary women into the spotlight to spark catalytic change, I’m equally excited to see what they’ll achieve next. Turn to page 51 to hear their plans, and be inspired by 2021’s other trailblazers and joy-makers.
Elsewhere in the mag, our bumper fashion and beauty sections aim to glamorously ready you for the silly season ahead. For the first time in two years, we’re stepping out in style without the threat of COVID outbreaks or snap lockdowns. Our judicious edit of the season’s best party dresses and head-turning jewels starts on page 111, and you can mimic our luxe make-up looks for maximum impact (page 160).
And as families reunite across the country, it’s time to shower loved ones with gifts. We have your Christmas shopping sorted with our extensive guide from page 151. It’s time to relax, catch up and frock up. You’ve earned it!