In this modern era, feminism continues to make breakthroughs, both within our small everyday lives and the wider world. Hence, it is about time that influential, incredible, and inspiring women become known, researched, and adored.
Even though last year was filled with ups and downs, it's still vital to take recognition to the more positive aspects that occurred. We should be all about celebrating women and their achievements, so just for you all, I have comprised a little list of a few individuals who I believe are worth mentioning, who have made a real impact, not just in their particular fields, but on the wider world.
Drumroll, please...In no particular order, read on to absorb some useful information.
Christina Koch
Koch was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 2013 and completed astronaut candidate training in 2015. Her intelligence is heavily portrayed through her qualifications, with her being a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Physics and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. If that's not breathtaking, then I don't know what is. And just to add the cherry on top, Koch spent 328 days aboard the International Space Station - setting the record for the longest-ever single spaceflight by a woman. Incredible!
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr
As mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr is the first female mayor to lead the city in decades and places a strong emphasis on the city's development. Her 'Transform Freetown Plan' tackles environmental degradation and climate change, whilst also creating jobs to reduce unemployment levels. With a year of widespread flooding and fires, Aki-Sawyerr has inspired residents to plant one million trees over two years. You can learn more about this movement by following the #FreeTownTheTreeTown.
Kamala Harris
After a lifetime of public service, having been elected District Attorney of San Francisco, California Attorney General, and United States Senator, Kamala finally received the credit she deserved by being elected the 49th Vice President of the United States. Whist senator, Vice President Harris championed legislation to reform cash bail, combat hunger, improve maternal health care, and address the climate crisis. She is the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected Vice President, and hopefully not the last. Due to this, Kamala will certainly hold a memorable place within politics worldwide.
Jacinda Ardern
Arden, being the youngest female leader in the world and New Zealand's youngest Prime Minister in 150 years, stirred up traditional norms when she announced that her partner will be a stay-at-home dad, allowing her to continue with her political duties. After winning a landslide victory in October 2020, she was elected to a second term, in which promises of plans to tackle climate change and child poverty were made. Let's just say, I hope to be as successful as Arden by the time I reach thirty-eight.
Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul
Over the last year or so Thailand has experienced pro-democracy protests which have swept the country, in which Panusaya has played a key role in. At a student rally, she read aloud (a now-famous) manifesto, which called on the monarchy to refrain from its interference within politics. Not only was the movement viewed a shocking and unexpected, as anyone who criticises the monarch in Thailand can be imprisoned for up to fifteen years but also seen as inspiring to other individuals to affect change. As said by Panusaya herself "Everyone is a world-changer. No matter what you do or who you are, be confident and make your life worth it".
Even though I have only mentioned a handful of incredible individuals, it certainly does not mean there aren't more badass women out there. In fact, there are hundreds, thousands, even millions. Their contribution, no matter how small or big, is credible and recognised. After all, "Everyone is a world-changer".