5 Women Who Inspire In the 21st Century

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In the 21st century, having strong female role models is more important than ever. Women are breaking barriers and achieving great things daily, so celebrating their accomplishments is crucial. Read on as we highlight five inspiring women making a difference in the world.


5 Women Empowering the 21st Century


1. Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a celebrated Pakistani activist for girls’ education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. Born in Mingora, Pakistan, in 1997, Yousafzai began speaking out against the Taliban’s attempts to deny women an education when she was just 11 years old. In 2012, a Taliban gunman shot her while traveling home from school; miraculously, she survived and continued her activism.

Malala Yousafzai speaks at World Bank headquarters on the International Day of the Girl, 2013 (Photo via World Bank Photo Collection)
Malala Yousafzai speaks at World Bank headquarters on the International Day of the Girl, 2013 (Photo via World Bank Photo Collection)

2014 is when she got the Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the youngest person to receive the honor. Today, Yousafzai is a leading voice for girls’ education worldwide. And in the era where you can find help online with your studies, there is no excuse as to why you should allow Malala’s effort to go to waste. Whether it’s a paper writer you need to help you with that bothering assignment or ongoing tutoring, you can always find someone for the help you need.

2. Olena Zelenska

While Olena Zelenska is best known as the first lady of Ukraine, she has also had a successful career in her own right, making her surely one of the women who inspire in the 21st century. Zelenska has won numerous awards for her work, an architect and screenwriter by trade. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Zelenska is also a dedicated philanthropist. She has worked with various charities over the years and is a vocal advocate for women’s rights.

Olena Zelenska speaking at an annual conference of ambassadors of Ukraine, 2021 (Photo by The Presidential Office of Ukraine / Wikimedia)
Olena Zelenska speaking at an annual conference of ambassadors of Ukraine, 2021 (Photo by The Presidential Office of Ukraine / Wikimedia)

She works closely with the United Nations Development Programme to promote sustainable development in Ukraine. Despite the war between her country and Russia, Zelenska remains committed to making a difference. Her dedication and determination are truly inspiring.

3. Emma Watson

Emma Watson is a celebrated British actress, model, and activist who rose to fame for her breakout role as Hermione Granger in the famous Harry Potter film series. Since then, she has starred in several films, including Beauty and the Beast, The Circle, and Little Women. Watson is also an outspoken advocate for gender equality. And has served as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the HeForShe Campaign. In 2020, Time magazine recognized her as one of the 100 Most Influential People.

Emma Watson, speaking at World Economic Forum event on MDG - Davos, 2015 (Photo by Paul Kagame)
Emma Watson, speaking at World Economic Forum event on MDG – Davos, 2015 (Photo by Paul Kagame)

Watson’s career and activism have made her one of the women who inspire many young people in the 21st century. As a successful actress, she has shown that it is possible to achieve your dreams. As an advocate for gender equality, she has shown that it is possible to make a difference in the world.

And as a UN Goodwill Ambassador, she has shown that it is possible to use your platform to make a better impact on the lives of others.

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4. Zaha Hadid

In the 21st century, Zaha Hadid is an inspiration not just for her cutting-edge designs but also for her commitment to female empowerment and cultural inclusion throughout her life.

Born in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1950, Hadid studied at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. She began her practice, Zaha Hadid Architects, in 1980 and went on to receive international acclaim for her innovative buildings and structures. Her most celebrated works include the London Olympic Aquatics Centre, the Guangzhou Opera House in China, and the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi. In 2004, she emerged as the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize – one of architecture’s most prestigious awards.

Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid in her London office, UK, circa 1985. (Photo by Christopher Pillitz/Getty Images)
Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid in her London office, UK, circa 1985. (Photo by Christopher Pillitz/Getty Images)

Hadid, who passed away in 2016 at just 65, was a strong advocate for gender equality in architecture throughout her life. In 2012, she co-founded the nonprofit firm Women in Architecture (WIA), which promotes women’s participation in all aspects of architectural design and practice. Additionally, she mentored numerous young female architects and was a vocal supporter of diversity and inclusion in the field.

In an era where discrimination and division seem to rise, Hadid’s commitment to championing underrepresented voices is more important than ever for us to remember. As a leading figure in her field, she was (and still is!) a powerful role model for women and minorities striving to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries. Through her work, Hadid showed that anything is possible – no matter who you are or where you come from.


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5. Serena Williams

Serena Williams, a professional tennis player, is often considered one of the greatest players of all time and definitely one of the top women who inspire! She has scooped 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Williams has also won 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles, all with her sister, and the pair are unbeaten in Grand Slam doubles finals. Additionally, she has collected four Olympic gold medals, one in singles and three in women’s doubles. Professionally, Williams is ranked No. 10 worldwide by the Women’s Tennis Association (as of March 3, 2020). Between 2002 and 2017, she was ranked number one in the world by the WTA eight times. She has been ranked number one in the world for 319 consecutive weeks by the WTA, which is the record for the most consecutive weeks of being in first place for a female tennis player.

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Aside from her accomplishments on the court, Williams has been an outspoken advocate for gender equality and has Been a powerful voice for black female athletes. In 2015, she helped found Serena Ventures; an investment firm focused on technology and fashion startups led by diverse founding teams. As of April 2019, Forbes estimated her net worth at $225 million, making her one of the wealthiest self-made women in America. In 2019, she was number 63 on Forbes’ list of The World’s 100 Greatest Living Business Minds. Given all that she has accomplished both on and off the court, it is no wonder that Serena Williams is considered an inspiration in the 21st century.

Wrapping Up

These five inspiring women have profoundly impacted the 21st century and beyond. They have championed gender equality, diversity, and inclusion through their work in various fields. They are powerful role models for women and minorities striving to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries. These women have shown us that anything is possible if you believe in yourself. We can all learn from their example and be inspired to make a difference in the world.


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