Top 5 Role Models for Women Today

For those living in England, 2018 is the ‘Year of the Woman‘.

In 1918, 100 years ago, women received the vote for the first time. I thought I would start the year off by discussing 5 role models for women today – providing a positive image of women in the media.

I could come up with hundreds of iconic women who have encouraged the progression of women and girls across the centuries.

However, I wanted to compile a list of those I think are important for women in today’s society. All of these role models provide inspiration for young women growing up in the modern world.

In this blog post, read about my top 5 role models for young women today!

There are so many female role models across the world, including:

1. Malala Yousafzai
2. Baroness Karren Brady
3. Michelle Obama
4. Taylor Swift
5. Eleanor Roosevelt

Let’s take a look at each of these role models in a little more detail.

1. Malala Yousafzai

Malala has been mentioned a lot in recent years, and she makes it onto every female power list for her bravery, intelligence and importance to women from minority backgrounds.

She is such an important woman to include on this list, as she makes an excellent role model for young women. Malala’s role in fighting for female education in countries where women are often denied such a basic right is pivotal.

She continues to speak out against those who try to suppress women, working with the UN to encourage women’s rights across the globe.

Although women’s rights are important in every country – including those of the developed world – Malala’s voice is integral in speaking out for women in developing countries. It is these women who do not often get heard.

All of this makes her an icon for women’s rights across the world. The fact that Malala is also so young, and yet she has achieved so much, really gives me the inspiration to take action against the inequalities facing women across the world.

Malala is not some stuffy woman from the past with whom women today feel no connection, she is a young woman fighting against modern obstacles to this day!

2. Baroness Karren Brady

I personally think that Karren Brady is a brilliant role model for young women, and she can be seen as an inspiration for girls wanting to pursue careers in areas previously deemed as too ‘masculine.’

The fact that Karren Brady works in such male-dominated areas – business and football – means that she has encountered numerous obstacles in her line of work.

While reading her autobiography, it’s clear to see the inequalities that she’s faced. Baroness Brady helps change the way women are seen in the sectors of business and football, making it easier for future women to build a careers in these areas.

Karren Brady also contributes to politics, and, although I may disagree with some of the politics she supports, the fact that she does so much is an inspiration for women of all ages.

3. Michelle Obama

I absolutely love Michelle Obama and I think she’s a brilliant role model for women around the world. She stands beside her husband the (former) President and there is no doubt that she is seen completely as his equal, with their relationship representing the modern couple.

Michelle Obama shows what power and strength can arise from two equal people in a relationship. Michelle is a strong woman, and her public speaking is some of the best I’ve heard.

Her opinions on equality and the fight against discrimination make her a brilliant role model for women growing up around the world. She always projects an image of strength and power!

4. Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is a great role model for women across the world.

She bounces back after continual flack from the media – and I loved Taylor Swift’s documentary about how she wants to make a difference. Taylor Swift uses her songs to put across important messages for women and people across the world, making her a fantastic role model.

In her songs, she says that heartbreak is normal – and you need to value yourself.

5. Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt is one of my all-time favourite women from history, and, mainly since she shares my name, she is my personal role model.

Eleanor Roosevelt may be a figure from the past, but I believe that she still has a lot to say to women today. While she was First Lady, she openly disagreed with her husband, and her role in politics was incredibly important.

She led the way for women in politics over later decades.

We should never forget the work she did for Human Rights. In pushing through important legislation, she made an important impact on politics and women’s rights at the time.

Roosevelt also spoke out against issues such as racial discrimination, holding a famous tea party for African-American orphan girls at the White House.

This caused a great stir – and it really shows her disregard for convention. Eleanor Roosevelt is an important role model for women today, as she shows that everyone should have a voice.

Do you agree with my top 5 role models for women today? Do you think these are good choices? Who is your personal female role model?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x