Inspirational Women

Tuesday March 8th brings International Women’s Day and what better way to celebrate by showcasing the women who have shaped and improved the world we live in through their admirable talents and ambitious mindsets. We have set aside a range of woman which differ in age and culture but all have the same thing in common: they have inspired others. From the life changers who made history to the celebrities which use their high status’ in good vain. The world we live in would not be the same for women if these ladies had never stepped out of the norm and made historic stands which would last forever.

LIfe CHaNGers

Emmeline Pankhurst

Because she… formed the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903 whose members were later dubbed ‘the suffragettes’ in support of women’s suffrage and the right to vote. If it wasn´t for Pankhurst heading the movement and organising demonstrations, hunger strikes and even arson attacks, it is unlikely that women would be entitled to the same equal voting rights as men.

Rosa Park

Because she… is a civil rights activist regarded as an international symbol of dignity, bravery and strength. Her refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955 helped global efforts to end the segregation of public facilities in the US. Supported by a young Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Parks boycott lasted over a year and helped to end black/white segregation.

Jane Austin

Because she… is an incredible author and an inspirational feminist. Her creation of the heroine Elizabeth Bennet taken from the nations favourite book ‘Pride and Prejudice’ envisioned woman everywhere. Jane had to struggle to get her book published due having little education and even when ‘Pride and Prejudice’ was first offered to a publisher in 1797 it was refused without a glance. After Austen´s death the books were published and, two centuries later, her novels still touch people’s hearts like no other author in history.

Anne Frank

Because she… wrote a diary during the World War II about her life during the Holocaust. The whole time she was hiding in an office building, attempting to escape the Nazis. Her life changing diary was internationally acclaimed after her father published it two years after her demise. It was translated into various languages and even an adaptation of a movie was created in her memory.

fIGure HeaDs

Margaret Thatcher

Because she…paved the way for women in politics and business by becoming the first British female prime minister from 1979 to 1990. A grocer´s daughter, Thatcher was brought up to believe in hard work and public service. Despite several failed attempts in politics throughout her career, she eventually was elected as leader of the Conservative Party and won the General Election. Although unpopular among working classes, Thatcher dubbed the Iron Lady, was successful in a number of policies including the Falklands War and privatising public services.

Princess Diana

Because she… used her royal status to do good and bring charitable causes to the public eye. She singlehandedly brought the landmine issue to the world’s attention, which resulted in representatives from 100 countries signing the Oslo Treaty, intending to rid the world of landmines. Diana developed the name of ‘The People ´s Princess’ as she was the world’s role model from helping homeless to her charity work in AIDS research. The world was in despair after her sudden death in a car crash which killed her and her boyfriend Dodi Fayed in Paris in 1997.

Michelle Obama

Because she… is the first lady of the United States. Michelle has made a huge mark in the world in only 4 years since her husband Obama came to office. A graduate of Princeton and then Harvard Law, she used her new found international fame to encourage movements to combat childhood obesity and increase support for troops as well as helping more Americans to obtain higher education. She is widely considered as one of the most influential first lady´s in US history.

Hilary Clinton

Because she… is a US presidential candidate and the only first lady to run for public office. Although she didn´t win, she gains respect of women everywhere as she showcases that women can be just as powerful as men. She also encourages girls to support each other instead of being jealous. Hilary had to undergo upsetting situations (namely her husband´s indescretion with Monica Lewinsky) but that did not stop her from going from strength to strength and relishing the power she has worked so hard for.

aCtresses

Angelina Jolie

Because she…is known for splitting her time between her extensive humanitarian work and pioneering celebrity adoption. Four of her seven children are adopted, children who would’ve otherwise suffered in poverty. She went on her first overseas mission; an 18 day trip to war torn Sierra Leone and Tanzania. She then followed that up with a two-week trip back to Cambodia which led to her being named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. Her good willed work never seems to stop as she also set up the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation to create environmental security, peace and stability in communities around the world.

Meryl Streep

brave! Because she… is an actress who is not afraid to air her opinion. From openly speaking about the importance of gender equality and bringing up ageism in the media. Her honesty and integrity about issues that matter inspire women of all ages not to shy away. So women stand up and be

Drew Barrymore

Because she… is a mother, businesswoman, actress, producer and director. She balanced the launch of her brand new make-up line ‘Flower’ whilst expecting her new baby. The purpose of her make-up is to inspire woman to feel good about themselves and who better to promote this than a lady who is comfortable in her own skin, selfless, witty and confident.

Emma Watson

Because she… promotes feminism and goodwill. Growing up playing a main character in one of the biggest children films ever, Watson understands she has a young following. She unleashed the epic ‘He for She’ speech at the UN that made people realise she is a true feminist in a public arena where many actresses of her calibre shy away. She continues to fight for gender equality insisting this is “her true passion in life.”

MODeLs

Twiggy

Because she… is the most iconic figure of the sixties who inspired the introduction of London Fashion Week and alongside Mary Quant pioneered “the mini skirt”. She was nominated for ‘Face of 1966’ and ‘British Woman of the Year 1966’ and she extended her persona trying out modelling and acting. Twiggy is known for her out there style and her beauty is edgy but timeless.

Cara Delevinge

Because she… is the IT girl right now. You will see her face on billboards, TV and magazines worldwide. She uses her big name to empower fans across the world to ‘stop labelling and start living!’ She shot to fame through walking the runways for the likes of Burberry and Givenchy and her trademark eyebrows have set her apart from the crowd - proving quirky beauty is still in.

sINGers

Madonna

Because she… has it all. Her music, beauty and existence has lived on for years to entertain and inspire women of all ages. The material girl has released her 13th studio album at the age of 56, she exemplifies the idea that age is a state of mind and she plans to banish ageism for once and all.

Lady Gaga

Because she… is in a world of her own! She teaches woman that individuality is key and it is ok to be different. From her show stopping outfit choices and her motivational songs such as ‘Born this Way’ she really is in a league of her own and an inspiration to woman everywhere.

Nina Simone

Because she… is an inspirational singer. Her fame derives from her association with the civil rights movement in which classic songs such as ‘Four Women’ emerged. She was born into a poor family and her quick talent with music and playing the piano at age of 3 helped her to earn the opportunity to study at Juilliard as a teenager and her legacy still lives on to this day. an arduous task in itself given that designers of the time were only from upper class families. If it was not for this wonderful lady and her boundless creativity, you may have never been able to wear a pair of trousers as they were strictly for men only.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Because she… is a world acclaimed fashion designer! Her style takes the form of comfort with a nod to the latest fashion trends. Diane was the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. She went on to be a successful student whilst attending university in Switzerland and her hunger for independence led her to become a socialite in New York hanging out with people who did not care about money. Diane is a self-made successful women. When her initial business was not a success she started again from scratch and made it to the top due to sheer determination.

Natalie Massenet

Because she… is a successful female entrepreneur. Natalie is the founder of internationally successful fashion portal ‘Net-aporter.’ The business was launched from her flat in Chelsea and she personally raised the £1.2 million start-up costs. Since 2013 she has been the chairwoman of the British Fashion Council. Natalie has been single handily changing the way designer fashion is retailed to the public. Her business has been going strength to strength including the print magazine ‘Porter’ which was created in 2014.

fasHION

Coco Chanel

Because she… is an international designer who trademarked the little black dress and suits. She was raised in an orphanage and taught how to sew. Coco used her imagination and creativity to climb to the top,

Do you know an inspirational woman in Surrey?

As part of the Surrey Rocks Awards 2022 we are holding a vote for the most INCONIC FEMALE SURREY RESIDENT among the 21 other categories. We are asking readers to email us with their suggestions to be included in the voting which kicks off on May 1st. Please email info@rocksmag.com.