This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Winthrop chapter.

Empowering women is SO important, and even more important in today’s society.

Here are 13 of the most inspiring, empowering, and brave women of today!

13) Rose McGowan

This actress is continuously at the forefront of the feminist movement and constantly shuts down sexist remarks. She has a twitter that is immaculate and essential to any modern day feminist. Her fame and success in the film industry has given her the perfect stage to discuss the issues that are continuing to repress women. She has faced much criticism and sexism in her industry, and was even fired for speaking out against one of the production companies who made extremely sexist comments to her about what to do and wear on set. She is bold, daring, and completely brave for taking these chances in such a trying industry.

12) Amanda Lovelace

A Poet who has hit a heart string with me. Amanda Lovelace is one of my absolute favorite poets of all time. Her experiences correlate so perfectly to mine that I oftentimes wonder if we are the same person. She approaches her past with an open and completely honest mindset. She speaks of everything from bullying, starvation and eating disorders to sexism, death and family issues. Her strength and attitude to these experiences provide women with a hope that one day you can turn your dark past into a brighter future.

11) Rupi Kaur

I have read every single one of her poems and I honestly believe that every woman should read Kaur’s poetry. She is simplistic in her ways, yet there is a truthfulness behind every word she writes. She has had troubling experiences that will show the world exactly what happens behind closed doors and sheds a light on the real and disgusting experiences women often have to face alone. Although most of her poetry speaks of difficulty, she is able to find a happiness in certain aspects of her life which comes to the forefront of some pieces. She is an activist, poet, and all-around delightful woman, not to mention her beautiful Instagram.

10) Gloria Steinem

“Feminism has never been about getting a job for one woman. It’s about making life more fair for women everywhere. It’s not about a piece of the existing pie; there are too many of us for that. It’s about baking a new pie.” The definition of feminism comes from this amazing woman. Ms. Steinem is 83 years old and she’s still advocating for women’s rights. She’s been working to advance women’s rights since the 1960’s and she was the leader of the feminist movement in America during that time. A woman who will always hold a special place in my heart. Also, she created Ms. Magazine, the reason many girls had a magazine they could read without being told they needed to change for society or a man!

9) Bell Hooks

“Feminism Is For Everybody” inspired me to add bell hooks to this article. I first read her piece for a project in my Human Experience class and I was shocked at how relevant her piece, that was published in 2000, is today. She has written over 40 books that have molded the way people see feminism in the 1980s and into the modern feminist movement. She writes like a madwoman and I love it! She is not afraid to speak her mind and fight for what she believes is right which is exactly why young women should look to her pieces for advice and wisdom as they approach the harsh world.

8) Oprah Winfrey

I mean, how could I not include one of the most successful and well-known women EVER? Oprah is such an obvious choice to be an empowering figure for women because of her charisma and outlook on life. She has lifted women up through every platform possible, from her TV shows and movies to her books and inspirational speeches. She makes it her goal to further empower women everyday so that young girls can grow up believing in themselves and ignoring what society has to say about them. Oprah encourages young women and girls to rely only on themselves and focus on their goals since that is what got her into her position today. Her ability to inspire women, bring joy into people’s lives and show compassion to everyone she crosses paths with makes Oprah one of my favorite empowering women of today.

7) Maya Angelou

Although she is unfortunately no longer with us, her legacy and work continues to thrive. Maya Angelou was one of the most incredible women in history. She was such a diverse writer and created pieces that would last decades. I have read many pieces by her and what I have read so far has chilled every bone in my body. She was a civil rights activist and feminist that women and girls will be able to look up to for many more decades to come. It is tragic that this beautiful woman is not here to carry on her storytelling but she has, and will continue to, inspire women with what she wrote.

6) Emma Watson

So, who doesn’t love Hermione and her ability to put those boys in their places? Emma Watson is the real-life and on-screen Hermione. She never hesitates to speak her mind and stand up for her fellow women everywhere. When she isn’t starring in block-buster films and slaying the red carpet, she is shutting down sexists at UN meetings. She also has a strong social media presence that makes her inspiration and success available to girls and women around the world. She is a strong, independent, bold woman who inspires me, and many women like me, on a daily basis.

5) Lupita Nyong’o

If you haven’t seen Lupita’s performance in “12 Years a Slave” then what are you really doing with your life? She is a wonderful role model for African-american girls everywhere as she shows women how beautiful and powerful they truly are. Her speech on “Black Beauty” is a must listen for anyone who doubts their self worth and beauty. Lupita delivers her speech confidently and perfectly, encouraging young women around the world to stand up and fight.

4) Michelle Obama

How could I not include Michelle Obama in an article about empowering women? During her time as First Lady, Michelle Obama ruled the world. From forming a healthier, more active youth to ensuring women everywhere are given the education they need and fighting persistently for their rights to that education, Michelle Obama should be proud of everything she has done for girls around the world. She has helped countless women, including me, find their voice and form their own educated opinions on life. Michelle is still, even after her husband’s presidency, continuing her fight to help educate the female population about their rights and create a safer, healthier, and more informed world.

3) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Her book, “We Should All Be Feminist”, shows a true, informative and contemporary definition of feminism. All of her books and stories expose the truths behind sexism, racism, society’s version of feminism and more as she draws from her own experiences. She creates a space for people to learn about these issues, even if they may have never or will never experience them. She is prominent in the media and has even given a beautiful TED Talk about one of her books.

2) Malala Yousafzai

Not only is she the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner, but she is also an incredible feminist symbol for young girls everywhere. She turned a traumatizing moment in her life into an event that would change history. She is taking her sexist, horrifying experiences and creating a better world through her book, speeches and activism. She is currently attending college at Oxford University and is pursuing her dream of an education, one that many Pakistani women could never imagine for themselves. She is showing women everywhere that no one can take away their right to an education and is molding a world full of women achieving their highest aspirations and goals in life.

1) Ellen DeGeneres

“I stand for honesty, equality, kindness, compassion, treating people the way you’d want to be treated and helping those in need.” I am completely enamored with everything that Ellen does, from her generous and kind attitude to her comical view on life and the issues that we take too seriously. Ellen is one of the most important women in today’s society and has empowered millions of people around the world through her career and philanthropic lifestyle. She is the epitome of a strong, independent woman, and let’s not forget that she’s the queen of the LGBTQ+ community.

13 Most Empowering Women of Today