12 Influential Women Who Made A Significant Impact on Women's Rights
The pursuit of gender equality is a cause familiar to many, encompassing the notion of achieving equal rights for individuals of different genders. Over the years, numerous feminists have ardently fought for this cause. In the past century, feminist writers, politicians, and activists have made significant strides, but the battle continues into the present day. Today, renowned figures leverage their fame to make a difference. While the fight for gender equality persists, many achievements, such as equal pay for equal work, remain elusive. So, who are these famous feminists and women who are making a difference in the contemporary world? Let's explore.
Meghan Markle
We are all familiar with Meghan Markle, the most controversial princess in the British Royal Family after Lady Diana. She created a significant sensation by addressing the mistreatment she faced from both the British press and the royal family. At the 2015 UN Women's Conference, Markle emphasized the need for women to have a seat at the table, stating, 'Women need a seat at the table, they need an invitation to sit at that table, and sometimes, where that doesn't exist, they need to create their own table. Markle, as many of us know, continues to advocate for herself and raise the voices of women worldwide.
Michaela Coel
Renowned for the impactful TV series 'I May Destroy You,' which vividly portrays the experiences of a sexual assault survivor, Coel stands out as a prominent advocate for women and LGBTQ+ rights. In an interview with Elle Canada, she emphasized the importance of telling the stories of black women, stating, 'I think we deserve to add our portrait to the gallery of life, the gallery of television, and we want this portrait to be true. To make this happen, we must write these stories ourselves.'
Lady Gaga
Besides being a celebrated actor and singer, Lady Gaga is also an activist. While she has captivated our attention with her songs and style, Gaga raises her voice for women and LGBTQ+ individuals as a survivor of sexual assault. In a SHOWstudio interview, she expressed her feminist stance, rejecting the societal expectations imposed on women and highlighting the multifaceted nature of women's strengths.
Jane Fonda
Despite being an award-winning actress at the age of 85, Fonda plays a significant role in the feminist movement. Introduced to feminism in the 2000s through a play she watched, Fonda acknowledged the intersectionality of patriarchy and war. In an interview with ELLE UK, she reflected on her evolving understanding of feminism, realizing the deep connection between patriarchy, war, and the importance of feminism.
Bell Hooks
A groundbreaking feminist, activist, cultural theorist, and writer, Bell Hooks (Gloria Jean Watkins) devoted her life to education. Authoring over 40 books, including 'Feminism is for Everybody,' Hooks explores the intersections of sexuality, race, gender, and spirituality in a straightforward language accessible to everyone.
Anne Hathaway
Known for her roles in movies like 'The Princess Diaries,' Hathaway is not only a beloved actress but also a UN Goodwill Ambassador. From addressing sexist interview questions to reflecting on her internalized misogyny, Hathaway consistently reminds us of the ongoing effort needed for self-improvement.
Dolly Parton
While Dolly Parton may not explicitly identify as a feminist, she has conveyed feminist messages through her life and work. In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, she emphasized that her life and art speak for themselves. Her iconic song 'Just Because I'm A Woman' challenges societal expectations imposed on women.
Beyoncé
A feminist from the early days of her career, Beyoncé has never shied away from embracing her feminist identity. With hits like 'Run The World (Girls),' she has become one of the leading feminists of our time. Beyond her music, Beyoncé actively supports women musicians, collaborators, and continues to contribute to the feminist movement.
Emma Watson
Emma Watson, known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, is a well-known feminist icon. Initiating the HeForShe campaign in 2014, Watson has been vocal about the importance of dismantling the misconception that fighting for women's rights equates to male hostility.
Viola Davis
Renowned actress Viola Davis is an active advocate for the women's rights movement. Speaking at the 2018 Los Angeles Women's March, Davis delivered a poignant speech, acknowledging the silent struggles faced by women without a platform and emphasizing the need to amplify their voices.
Tarana Burke
The founder of the #MeToo movement in 2006, Tarana Burke has dedicated her life to giving a voice to survivors of sexual assault worldwide. In 2018, she emphasized the need for collective action to reshape power imbalances and create spaces for speaking the truth.
Jessica Chastain
When it comes to gender equality in Hollywood, Jessica Chastain stands out as one of the most prominent figures. She has spoken out numerous times about the need for women to move beyond the role of the main character's love interest. In an interview with The Wrap, she emphasized the importance of giving depth to female characters. Here's a glimpse of what she expressed: 'Sometimes, characters exist merely as a backdrop to advance the man's story. I've told major directors, listen, playing a woman with a small role is not an issue for me, but how does the story affect her? What can I play differently from the start? Otherwise, it doesn't make sense because it's just like being a decoration.'
Jessica Chastain's advocacy in Hollywood reflects her commitment to challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for more substantial and meaningful representations of women in film.
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