International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating achievements—it’s about recognising the women leading change, breaking barriers, and creating a legacy for future generations. With the world in turmoil, we need more leaders who act with compassion, integrity, and a vision beyond their ego and success.
“IWD is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. We must act boldly and decisively for all women and girls. Change starts here, with you—and with empowering the next generation.” (UN Women UK)
Let’s celebrate real heroes, real women making a difference, not just for International Women’s Day but every day. Here is a list of 7 women who deserve recognition for their astonishing work and commitment to making an impact for the greater good.
1. IWD SPOTLIGHT ON: Christiana Figueres
Climate Leader & Former UN Executive Secretary for Climate Change
Her Inspirational Woman WOW Factor: Christiana Figueres a Costa Rican diplomat played a pivotal role in the historic 2015 Paris Agreement, uniting global leaders in a commitment to climate action. Her legacy emphasizes that sustainability is essential for our planet’s future.
Overview of Accomplishments:
- Led negotiations culminating in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
- Co-founder of Global Optimism, an organisation dedicated to environmental sustainability.
- Co-author of The Future We Choose, a book outlining strategies for addressing climate change.
Website: https://christianafigueres.com/
Social Media: @cfigueres
2. INTERNATIONAL WOMAN’S DAY SPOTLIGHT ON: Tarana Burke
Founder of the ‘me too.’ Movement
Her Inspirational Woman WOW Factor: Tarana Burke founded the ‘me too.’ movement in 2006 to support survivors of sexual violence, particularly young women of colour, bringing global attention to the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment.
Overview of Accomplishments:
- Established the ‘me too.’ movement to empower survivors.
- Senior Director at Girls for Gender Equity, focusing on the well-being of young women of colour.
- Named among the TIME 100 Most Influential People.
Website: https://metoomvmt.org/
3. IWD DAY 2025 SPOTLIGHT ON: Jacinda Ardern
Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
Her Inspirational Woman WOW Factor: Jacinda Ardern led New Zealand with empathy and decisiveness, notably during crises such as the Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic, setting a global example of compassionate leadership.
Overview of Accomplishments:
- Guided New Zealand through the COVID-19 pandemic with a response praised worldwide.
- Implemented policies targeting child poverty reduction and climate change mitigation.
- In January 2023, she announced her resignation, emphasising the importance of personal well-being in leadership roles.
Website: https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/former-members-of-parliament/ardern-jacinda/
4. INTERNATIONAL WOMAN’S DAY SPOTLIGHT ON: Licypriya Kangujam
Child Climate Activist
Her Inspirational Woman WOW Factor: Licypriya Kangujam started as a child environmental activist from Manipur, India one of the world’s youngest climate activists. She has been advocating for environmental action since the age of six, demonstrating that age is no barrier to making a significant impact.
Overview of Accomplishments:
- Founded Child Movement to campaign for climate policy reforms.
- Addressed world leaders at various international platforms, including COP25.
- Continues to challenge governments to implement urgent climate actions.
Website: https://www.thechildmovement.com/
5. IWD 2025 SPOTLIGHT ON: Dr. Tererai Trent
Educator, Author & Humanitarian
Her Inspirational Woman WOW Factor: Dr Tererai Trent overcame significant challenges, including early marriage and lack of education in rural Zimbabwe, to earn her PhD and become a global advocate for women’s education and empowerment.
Overview of Accomplishments:
- Founded Tererai Trent International, focusing on improving education in rural Africa.
- Author of The Awakened Woman, inspiring women to achieve their dreams.
- Recognised by Oprah Winfrey as her “all-time favourite guest,” highlighting her inspiring journey.
Website: https://tererai.org/
6. INTERNATIONAL WOMAN’S DAY SPOTLIGHT ON: Malala Yousafzai
Nobel Laureate & Girls’ Education Advocate
Her Inspirational Woman WOW Factor: Malala Yousafzai survived a Taliban assassination attempt and transformed her ordeal into a global campaign for girls’ right to education, becoming a symbol of resilience and advocacy.
Overview of Accomplishments:
- Co-founded the Malala Fund, supporting education for girls worldwide.
- At 17, became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate in 2014.
- Continues to be a prominent advocate for education and women’s rights globally.
Website: https://malala.org/
7. IWD 2025 SPOTLIGHT ON: Alaa Salah
Sudanese Women’s Rights Activist
Her Inspirational Woman WOW Factor: Alaa Salah became a powerful symbol of Sudan’s pro-democracy movement in 2019 when images of her standing on a car in a white thobe leading chants against Sudan’s government went viral. She embodies courage, resistance, and the fight for women’s rights in Sudan and beyond.
Overview of Accomplishments:
- She became the face of Sudan’s 2019 revolution, calling for justice and democratic reforms.
- At the UN Security Council, she called for women to have equal representation in governance and political process to be inclusive of women, civil society, and other groups
- She continues to fight for democracy, women’s rights, and peace in Sudan.
Website: https://www.unsudanigirls.org
Ted Talk: watch it here
Who would you add to this list and why? Share your thoughts below!
Stepping Into Our Power: 2025 is Our Year
With so many women breaking barriers and doing things that might seem unthinkable, and overcoming barriers so great – it might be time to ask yourself: What’s stopping me?
Whether it’s a career change, upping your leadership confidence, or finding your unique power and purpose in this world, this is the year you step out of the shadows.
The world is in chaos and we need more women taking up space and making a positive impact, now more than ever.
Yet, in 2024, we have seen women’s rights regress at an alarming rate. From rollbacks on reproductive rights to the silencing of women in politics, media, and workplaces, the fight for gender equality is far from over. Violence against women remains an epidemic, and laws meant to protect us are being stripped away in several parts of the world. The gender pay gap persists, and in some countries, girls are still being denied the right to education.
We can’t afford to wait. We can’t sit around hoping someone else will fight for us—our rights and the things we believe in should never be taken for granted.
This is why we must step forward. Our collective action has the power to change the future. When women rise, societies thrive. 2025 is not just another year—it is a moment to reclaim space, amplify our voices, and demand the future we deserve.
How You Can Contribute:
- Educate yourself on social and environmental causes and become the change you want to see in the world.
- Amplify the voices of women who inspire change.
- Support women-led businesses and buy their products and services; comment on their posts and show your support.
- Invest in women, and give their ideas and companies the capital they need to grow.
- Join groups and support organisations making advances for the causes you care about – there is power in numbers.
- Wear your values and make your style a personal statement.
- Use your voice, have your say and vote for the world you want by taking action no matter how big or small – every effort counts.
Celebrate the women breaking barriers and daring to be different not just today but every day.
Related Reading and Listening:
- The Inspirational Women Series
- What makes women confident?
- Celebrating International Women’s Day 35 Inspirational Quotes
Happy International Women’s Day!
Roberta x
