In light of the recent election, many women are concerned about the new administration's views on women's rights. The future might not be as certain as it could have been, but there are still reasons to find hope. The path to women's rights has always been filled with struggles, but we have still come so far. Here are some amazing women that have helped us get to where we are today and continue to be role models for young women everywhere.

1. J.K. Rowling.

J.K. Rowling is perhaps one of the best-known authors in the world, and her book series "Harry Potter" has sold more than 400 million copies worldwide. Since then, she has become incredibly wealthy but chooses to donate much of her money to several different charities. Her favorite ones focus on impoverished areas and the study of multiple sclerosis. She also sets an example by spending much of her free time volunteering.

2. Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama, the current First Lady of the United States, has dealt with an abundance of controversy and racial discrimination. She is the first African-American First Lady and is well known for her beautiful speeches and beneficial programs that better the world. She created programs to help fight childhood obesity and help support veterans and their families. She is also known for her programs working with providing and encouraging education for all.

3. Beyoncé Knowles.

Everyone always talks about how they want to be Beyonce, and she's a great woman to live up to. She is a musician, a feminist, and a working mom. She is the founder and CEO of her own record label and production company and thoroughly believes in gender equality. She is comfortable with her own sexuality and flaunts it, but she is also comfortable with being a mother and advocating for strong family values. It seems like there is nothing she can't do.

4. Malala Yousafzai.

Malala Yousafzai was born in a dangerous part of Pakistan called the Swat District. She is a renowned advocate for education and is a clear opponent of the Taliban efforts to halt girls from attending school. She faced the Taliban's military by writing a blog, speaking out about the hardships of living under such a regime. In 2012, the Taliban voted to kill her, and she was shot in the head. She survived and was relocated to the UK, and Pakistan exploded with protests and revolts. Over 2 million people signed a petition that led to the first Right To Free and Compulsory Education Bill. Malala established the Malala Fund in 2013 and became a global advocate for girl's right to education. She empowers women to use their voices and speak out for change.

5. Kira Salak.

Kira Salak is a journalist well known for her adventuring. She has been called a "real-life Lara Croft" by the New York Times and has been to nearly every continent, all by herself. That's right, she travels solo. She kayaked alone 600 miles down the Niger River. She was the first woman to pass through all of Papua New Guinea without a companion. She has been to some of the most dangerous countries in the world, causing many people to speak ill of her, saying that a woman has no place traveling alone in such rural countries. She also states that when people doubt her ability, it causes her to want to prove them wrong.

6. Christiane Amanpour.

Amanpour is a prominent and influential female journalist who is currently the CNN's Chief International Consultant. She spent much of the 90s covering issues in the Middle East and is well known for being a fantastic reporter even in active war zones. She has interviewed many international figures, some with negative views of the U/S. and its allies. She had to flee from Iran after interviewing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, fearing for her and her family's safety. She is a strong, courageous woman that has paved the way for women in journalism.

7. Sheryl Sandberg.

Sheryl Sandberg, the current COO of Facebook, has been said to have more influence over the site than its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. She is an important member of a team that has essentially changed the world of social media. She is also an advocate for gender equality. She suggests that if a woman wants children, her career depends on who her partner is. If her partner wants children, then he can also help raise them. Not only is she a powerful business woman, but she is also a working mom, shattering the gender stereotypes that a woman must remain at home to raise her children.