We believe in the power of role models, and our #DisruptYourFeed research proved that following them can boost the self-belief of girls and even transform their career trajectory.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, these are the extraordinary women whose courage, strength and determination have defined the past year. ?
Gisèle Pelicot redefined courage in 2024. After exposing nearly a decade of abuse orchestrated by her husband, she waived her anonymity, leading to the conviction of 50 men. Her trial ignited a feminist movement across France, forcing a national reckoning on rape laws and consent.
Sunita Williams set off for an eight-day mission but ended up spending over eight months aboard the ISS due to technical issues. Facing the challenges of extended space travel, she remains resilient, calling the ISS her “happy place” as she pushes human exploration forward.
Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke made history as the youngest Māori woman in New Zealand’s Parliament. In November 2024, she led a haka in protest, tearing up legislation that threatened Māori rights. Her act sparked a 1,000km hīkoi, uniting over 35,000 people in a powerful call for Indigenous sovereignty.
Ilona Maher led the U.S. women’s rugby sevens to Olympic bronze before shattering records in England’s Premiership Rugby. Off the pitch, she challenges beauty standards, gracing the Sports Illustrated cover and reaffirming that strength and grace can coexist, lifting her male partner on Dancing with the Stars.
Sylvia Kang is revolutionising women’s health. As CEO of Mira, she’s making hormone tracking more accessible, launching the Menopause Transitions Kit to empower women with deeper insights, eliminating invasive tests and costly clinic visits. Her mission is autonomy and better research in women’s health.
Kanya King was given six months to live in 2024 after a stage four cancer diagnosis. Her response? Defying the odds and using her platform to champion early detection and health equality, just as she redefined the music industry by founding the MOBOs in 1996 to uplift Black artists.
Simone Biles sparked a global conversation on mental health by stepping back at the 2021 Olympics. In 2024, she returned stronger than ever, leading Team USA to gold. Her journey proves that prioritising mental wellbeing isn’t weakness, it’s the foundation for success.
Zakia Khudadadi made history as the first Refugee Paralympic medallist, winning bronze in taekwondo. Training in secret in Afghanistan, she fled after the Taliban’s return. Her triumph in Paris 2024 is a testament to resilience, defying violence and adversity to chase her dreams.
#IWD2025 #AccelerateAction
