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 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!

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 in order 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 of 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 career 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 think she is 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 projects an image of strength and power!

4. Taylor Swift

I absolutely love Taylor Swift!

Apart from the fact that she is incredibly talented and makes brilliant songs, I think she is a great role model for women today.

I love the way that Taylor bounces back after continual flack from the media is really inspiring, particularly the way that she channels her feelings and come-backs into amazing songs!

Taylor Swift uses her songs to put across important messages for women and people across the world, making her a fantastic role model.

She says in her songs that heart-break is normal, that hurting is part of life and that you need to value yourself.

5. Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt is one of my all-time favourite women from history, and, mainly due to the fact that 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