Modern Day Heroines

You’ve seen the slogans on the t-shirts, and the signs at marches: the future really is female. It’s about time too. With so many women paving the way for a more equal future, we’ve decided to shortlist some of our favourite heroines we should all be looking up to. They’ve all achieved some incredible and inspiring things, all helping to put women on the map.

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE

Image courtesy of Richard Saker for the Observer

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE is a space scientist and the co-presenter of astrology programme, The Sky at Night. She has been open about her struggles with dyslexia, but it’s never stopped her from achieving incredible things. She has a PhD in mechanical engineering and she’s received numerous awards for her contribution to science and education. Even though science and maths continue to be male-dominated in further education and beyond, Aderin-Pocock is a reminder that there’s a place for everyone.

Celeste NG

Image courtesy of celesteng.com

Female authors have recently enjoyed the spotlight, and no one is more deserving than Celeste Ng. Ng is an American-born author who used her own experiences of racism (her parents are from Hong Kong) to raise awareness of the subject in her debut novel, Everything I Never Told You. Where cultural representation for minority groups still remains problematic, her writing has helped to give the Asian community a voice.

Emma Watson

Image courtesy of IMBD

No stranger to the gender equality movement is actress, Emma Watson. She might be best known for her role as Hermione in the Harry Potter films, but Watson has used her fame to bring attention to women’s rights and gender inequality. She was appointed UN Women Goodwill ambassador and launched the campaign, HeForShe calling for men to support gender equality. The actress has also played a key role in the recent #TimesUp movement.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche

Image courtesy of chimamanda.com

Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is probably best known for her 2012 TEDx talk, “We should all be feminists”. As an advocate for gender equality, she highlighted her experiences of being an African feminist and her views on gender construction. Adichie has also helped to put African literature on the map, with her novels that include Half of a Yellow Sun and That Thing Around Your Neck.

Bobbi Brown

Image courtesy of oprah.com Photographer: Henry Leutwyler

You may have seen her stands in your local department store, American makeup artist and founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown is one strong woman we definitely look up to. Not only does her product line pride itself on its extensive shade range to fit as many skin shades as possible, the company also does a lot of work to improve the lives of women across the globe. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics launched The Pretty Powerful Campaign for Women and Girls, which aims to empower females through skills training and education programmes.

There’s no doubt that there are many strong women in the public eye with inspiring stories to tell. No matter who you aspire to be in the future, there are plenty of strong female role models for you to look up to for guidance and inspiration!