Wonder Women: Female Role Models Every Girl Should Have

In a world where the role of a woman is decided at the time of her birth and are taught lessons of our forefathers, let’s enter into a world of female role models that have been shaping our past, present and future. Our world is filled with remarkable women making history; we're here to shine a spotlight on their stories. From trailblazing leaders and groundbreaking artists to everyday heroes, these women inspire us with their courage, resilience, and achievements. Join us as we explore their journeys, triumphs, and the lessons we can learn from their remarkable lives.

24 Female Role Models Every Girl Should Have

This eye-opening list shared below are just a few examples of female empowerment in the world . So sit back and take in the inspirational stories of some of the women role models that will unfold as you keep scrolling till the end. 

1. Michelle Obama

Who is she: Former First Lady of the United States

Despite not being American, we deeply admire Michelle Obama's global impact. As one of the world's most renowned women, she advocates for vital causes like fighting obesity and promoting equal education for women. Beyond her role as First Lady, she spearheaded Let Girls Learn a US government initiative, ensuring girls worldwide access to education. This Harvard alumni has multifaceted talents as a lawyer and writer that further inspire us. Her unwavering poise and dedication make her a true icon among Female role models.

2. Emma Watson

Who is she: Actress

Beyond her iconic role as Hermione Granger, Emma Watson emerges as a powerful voice for feminism. As a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and advocate for women's educational rights, she champions equality and liberation. Watson's words resonate: "Feminism is not a weapon against women; it's about freedom and equality." Her stance challenges norms and inspires us all. Emma Watson embodies the essence of Female role models, sparking dialogue and driving change.

3. Malala Yousafzai

Who is she: Pakistani education activist

Meet Malala, a courageous 24-year-old Pakistani activist who defied the Taliban's attempt on her life at 15. Despite adversity, she pursued higher education and founded the Malala Fund, advocating for global access to quality education for girls. As the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, Malala embodies resilience and determination, inspiring us to challenge barriers and fight for equality. She's not just a women role model; she's a beacon of hope and empowerment for women everywhere.

4. Emmeline Pankhurst

Who is she: Political activist

Imagine a world without Emmeline Pankhurst and the Suffragettes who fought for women's rights in the late 19th and early 20th century. One of our pioneers and a powerful woman in history, Emmeline Pankhurst was a British activist who led the suffragette movement in England, fighting for women's right to vote. Pankhurst founded the Women's Social & Political Union (WSPU) after facing discrimination. By 1928, women won the right to vote. While equality continues to evolve, Pankhurst's courage paved the way for progress. She remains a beacon of inspiration and a trailblazer among Women role models, igniting change for all UK women.

5. Beyonce Knowles-Carterafzai

Who is she: American singer-songwriter and businesswoman

Beyoncé, a beacon of modern womanhood, effortlessly balances marriage, motherhood, and a thriving pop career. Beyond her musical prowess, she founded BeyGood, supporting underfunded schools with vital supplies. Her advocacy for gender equality, body positivity, and environmental awareness inspires millions. Beyoncé's multifaceted impact and unwavering authenticity make her an exemplary Female role model we'd all be lucky to know.

6. Coretta Scott King

Who is she: American author

Coretta Scott King, often recognized as Martin Luther King Jr.'s wife, was a tireless advocate for women's equality. She co-founded NOW (National Organization for Women) in 1966, striving for women's rights through education and legal action. Additionally, she made history as the first woman to deliver Harvard's class day address. Coretta's legacy as a champion for equality continues to inspire Female role models worldwide.

7. Sylvia Plath

Who is she: American poet and novelist

Although Sylvia passed away in 1963, her legacy as a brave Female role model endures. She fearlessly shared her battle with depression, a taboo topic at the time, through her semi-autobiographical works. Sylvia's courage in addressing mental health challenges continues to resonate, offering generations a chance to read, understand, and empathize with her experiences. Her openness paves the way for destigmatizing mental health discussions and inspires others to share their stories.

8. Emma Thompson

Who is she: British actress and screenwriter

Emma Thompson's choice to dedicate her 1993 Best Actress Oscar to "the heroism and the courage of women..." underscores why she's a remarkable Female role model. This notable University of Cambridge alumni has made her mark on Hollywood. Beyond acting, she supports causes as a patron of the Refugee Council, the Tim Parry Johnathon Ball Foundation for Peace, and an ambassador for the Helen Bamber Foundation, providing therapeutic treatment for those affected by violence and abuse. Thompson's advocacy reflects her commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

9. Angelina Jolie

Who is she: American actress and filmmaker

Okay, so we might not have totally gotten over the whole Brad - Ange - Jen thing, but given her extensive work as a UN diplomat, actress and philanthropist, plus her public bravery in 2013 when she chose to share her double-mastectomy story, Angelina is definitely a role model worthy of mention.

10. Maya Angelou

Who is she: American memoirist and poet

Maya Angelou, one of history's most influential Female role models, left an indelible mark before her passing in 2014. As an author, actress, and civil rights activist, she challenged perceptions of black women and made literary history with her bestselling memoir, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'. Angelou's courage in sharing her experiences of sexual trauma as a child sparked vital conversations and empowered countless individuals through her words. Her legacy continues to inspire.

11. Greta Thunberg

Who is she: Swedish environmental activist

Greta Thunberg is the Swedish teenager who skipped school (no, kids, that bit we don't advocate!) and inspired an international movement to fight climate change. She has become a leading voice, inspiring millions to join protests around the world, and at just 19-years-old has been credited with shifting people’s views and behaviours regarding climate change, an influence that has become known as “the Greta effect”. This is one teenager not afraid to speak out on what she believes in.

12. Kamala Harris

Who is she: Vice President, US

Kamala Harris, a trailblazer in US politics, shattered barriers as the first woman and first African American to serve as both San Francisco's district attorney general and California's attorney general. As a Democratic Senator, she became the second African American woman to hold this position in US history. Her historic journey continued when she became the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American Vice President on January 20, 2021, marking a significant milestone and a powerful woman in politics in American democracy.

13. Tsai Ing-wen

Who is she: Taiwanese President

Yet another powerful women in politics, Taiwan's President earned global acclaim for her exceptional management of the Covid-19 crisis. Under her leadership, Taiwan achieved a remarkable 255-day period without local COVID-19 cases, setting a world record. With a PhD in Law, she rose from a professor to become the country's first female president. Her historic victory underscores her prowess and marks a significant milestone in Asian politics. Through her phenomenal leadership, she continues to inspire as a Female role model.

14. Rihanna

Who is she: Singer and Entrepreneur, US

Rihanna, a global superstar and nine-time Grammy winner, hails from Barbados. Beyond her music, she serves as an ambassador for her country, promoting investment and education. Rihanna's entrepreneurial ventures include her cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty, and her fashion line with LVMH Moët Hennessy — Louis Vuitton. Notably, she became the first woman of colour to lead a fashion house at LVMH. Her philanthropy extends to coronavirus relief efforts and supporting various charities, showcasing her role as a Female role model.

15. Laxmi Agarwal

Who is she: Indian television presenter & acid attack survivor

Laxmi, born in June 1990, bravely survived an acid attack in New Delhi at age 15, simply for rejecting advances. Despite her ordeal, she tirelessly raises awareness about acid attacks in India. Her advocacy led to successful campaigns for government regulation of acid sales and support for other survivors. Recognized globally, she received the International Women Empowerment Award from UNICEF in 2019 and the International Women of Courage Award from Michelle Obama in 2014. Laxmi embodies resilience as a Female role model.

16. Oprah Winfrey

Who is she: Media mogul, US

Oprah Winfrey, a renowned television personality, ranked on five Forbes lists in 2020, including Power Women and America’s Self-Made Women. Starting as a news anchor at 19, she soared to fame with The Oprah Winfrey Show, America’s highest-rated talk show for 25 years. Winfrey's media empire includes Harpo Studios and the Oprah Winfrey Network. Beyond television, she excels in publishing and cinema, earning prestigious awards for her contributions and humanitarian efforts. Winfrey exemplifies Female role models.

17. Jane Austen

Who is she: Novelist

Jane Austen, an English author, depicted the lives of the British upper class in the 19th Century. Through her novels, she humorously challenged societal expectations of women's behaviour. Her enduring popularity stems from her timeless wit and insight into human nature. Austen's ability to question norms and portray strong female characters makes her a timeless Female role model in literature, inspiring readers to question conventions and embrace their individuality. 

18. Princess Diana

Who is she: Princess of Wales 

Princess Diana, known as the "People's Princess," still inspires as a Female role model. Her kindness and work for causes like HIV/AIDS and landmine removal touched millions. Diana's openness about mental health struggles and efforts to fight stigma inspired many. Her legacy of compassion lives on, reminding us of the power of empathy and advocacy. Diana's impact spans generations, leaving an enduring mark as a beacon of hope and compassion.

19. Queen Elizabeth II

Who is she: Former Queen of England

Nationality: British

Queen Elizabeth II, the queen with the longest reign in British history, shows us what it means to be a strong and dignified Female role model. She's faced challenges with grace and remained dedicated to her duty. Her tireless service to the public and the Commonwealth has earned her respect worldwide. As a symbol of stability, she inspires us with her unwavering commitment and devotion to her role as a monarch and a Female role model.

20. Virginia Woolf

Who is she: English writer

Nationality: British

Virginia Woolf, a trailblazing writer of the 20th century, is hailed as a transformative Female role model. Her books, like "Mrs. Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse," broke traditional rules of writing, diving into topics of gender, identity, and mental well-being. As part of the Bloomsbury Group, she fought for women's rights and artistic expression. Woolf's boldness in challenging societal norms and her deep understanding of human emotions still resonate with writers and feminists today.

21. Eleanor Roosevelt

Who is she: Former First Lady of the United States

Nationality: American

Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was more than a First Lady; she was a force for change. Dubbed the “First Lady of the World,” she fought tirelessly for women's and African Americans' rights. As a Female role model, she inspired countless women worldwide to pursue their dreams and strive for equality. Roosevelt's legacy reminds us of the power of advocacy and the importance of standing up for justice and empowerment.

22. Helen Keller

Who is she: American author

Nationality: American

Helen Keller's determination made her a remarkable Female role model in history. Despite being deaf and blind, she set out to learn to speak, breaking barriers and inspiring others. Keller's perseverance enabled her to communicate with a wider audience through speeches and lectures, proving that with dedication, anything is possible. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's resilience and the limitless potential within each of us.

23. Frida Kahlo

Who is she: Painter

Nationality: Mexican

Frida Kahlo, the renowned Mexican artist, captured hearts with her vibrant self-portraits, deeply rooted in Mexican folk culture. Despite battling physical illness and adversity, she exhibited extraordinary determination. Kahlo's resilience and creativity continue to inspire, reminding us that strength can emerge from struggle. Through her art, she transcends boundaries, leaving a lasting legacy as a Female role model who embraced life's challenges with courage and resilience.

24. Savitribai Phule

Who is she: Teacher

Nationality: Indian

Savitribai Phule blazed a trail as a fearless champion of women's rights and education in 19th-century India. Together with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she broke barriers by founding the first-ever girls' school in Pune in 1848. Through unwavering dedication, she fought against caste discrimination and worked tirelessly to uplift marginalised communities. Her legacy inspires us to strive for social justice and equality, making her an enduring female role model in Indian history.

As we conclude our exploration of female role models and the list of important women in history, let's carry forward the lessons learned from these incredible women. Their stories remind us that strength comes in many forms, and each of us has the power to make a difference. Let's continue to celebrate and uplift one another, knowing that by supporting and empowering each other, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.