Powerful Women
BY SUPRIA SHROFF '22
Our history books are filled with an overwhelming number of male figures, but in recent years, strong, influential women have redefined gender roles by pioneering new paths for women. From fighting for gender equality to challenging body images, these women have defied social norms and experienced immense hardship to establish their place in society. Even if you’re not a hardcore feminist, it’s worth learning about these powerful women and how they shaped and continue to shape the world.
1. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an American Lawyer and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. After she graduated from Columbia Law School, she became one of the few female professors at the time. In 1972, she founded the Women’s Rights Project to remove societal barriers for women. When Bill Clinton appointed her as the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Ginsburg became the second of four female Justices in US history. Unafraid of challenging gender stereotypes, she made monumental steps for women in both law and education. Because of Ginsburg’s courage and strength, her career has inspired young women across the country.
2. Emma Gonzalez
Emma Gonzalez is a young activist who passionately advocates for gun control. After the shooting at Marjory-Stoneman Douglass, her highschool, Gonzalez founded a gun control advocacy group called Never Again MSD and March for Our Lives. She is an incredible example of how a highschooler can make a difference across the nation. Gonzales took an issue that impacted her and addressed it, increasing awareness and inspiring students across the world.
3. Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is a Human Rights and female education activist. In retaliation for her activism, she was shot at age fifteen. Thankfully, she survived and now bravely tells her story about facing discrimination and racism. Presently, Malala is the youngest to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She created ‘Malala’s Fund’ to bring awareness to the stories and different hardships that girls have to go through for equality in education.
4. Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham is a plus-size model and body positivity activist. She is shattering the stereotypes associated with being a model and teaching millions of women worldwide to love themselves and accept their body. Despite receiving harsh comments about her physique, Graham spreads body positivity messages to others so that no one will have to suffer from such comments.
5. Tarana Burks
Tarana Burks founded the Me Too movement, which helped survivors of sexual violence in the 1990’s, and inspired the #MeToo hashtag after the Weinstein allegations. She also founded Just Be inc., a nonprofit that supports victims and protects women of minorities. Burks was voted Time’s Person of the Year in 2017 for her activism in breaking the silence. She has helped victims share their stories and find solidarity.
Our history books are filled with an overwhelming number of male figures, but in recent years, strong, influential women have redefined gender roles by pioneering new paths for women. From fighting for gender equality to challenging body images, these women have defied social norms and experienced immense hardship to establish their place in society. Even if you’re not a hardcore feminist, it’s worth learning about these powerful women and how they shaped and continue to shape the world.
1. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an American Lawyer and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. After she graduated from Columbia Law School, she became one of the few female professors at the time. In 1972, she founded the Women’s Rights Project to remove societal barriers for women. When Bill Clinton appointed her as the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Ginsburg became the second of four female Justices in US history. Unafraid of challenging gender stereotypes, she made monumental steps for women in both law and education. Because of Ginsburg’s courage and strength, her career has inspired young women across the country.
2. Emma Gonzalez
Emma Gonzalez is a young activist who passionately advocates for gun control. After the shooting at Marjory-Stoneman Douglass, her highschool, Gonzalez founded a gun control advocacy group called Never Again MSD and March for Our Lives. She is an incredible example of how a highschooler can make a difference across the nation. Gonzales took an issue that impacted her and addressed it, increasing awareness and inspiring students across the world.
3. Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is a Human Rights and female education activist. In retaliation for her activism, she was shot at age fifteen. Thankfully, she survived and now bravely tells her story about facing discrimination and racism. Presently, Malala is the youngest to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She created ‘Malala’s Fund’ to bring awareness to the stories and different hardships that girls have to go through for equality in education.
4. Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham is a plus-size model and body positivity activist. She is shattering the stereotypes associated with being a model and teaching millions of women worldwide to love themselves and accept their body. Despite receiving harsh comments about her physique, Graham spreads body positivity messages to others so that no one will have to suffer from such comments.
5. Tarana Burks
Tarana Burks founded the Me Too movement, which helped survivors of sexual violence in the 1990’s, and inspired the #MeToo hashtag after the Weinstein allegations. She also founded Just Be inc., a nonprofit that supports victims and protects women of minorities. Burks was voted Time’s Person of the Year in 2017 for her activism in breaking the silence. She has helped victims share their stories and find solidarity.
