Feminism means social, political, and economic equality among the sexes, despite the fact that this definition is often twisted. It is not a radical idea, and it is very different from misandry, or the hatred of men. There are several modern feminists out there who serve as great role models to girls, boys, and everyone in between. Countless women throughout history have worked to get us where we are now; these women are working to get us where we will go. Here are six modern feminists who inspire me, and I hope you can be inspired by them too!
1. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A Nigerian writer and outspoken feminist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is an accomplished author who reminds girls worldwide of their worth and addresses the problems with gender roles and stereotyping. Whether it is through a speech or a written work, Adichie asks challenging questions of society and steers thoughts toward more progressive tracks.
2. Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is one of my heroes--she stands up for the right to education, especially education for girls, being something that the world is often lacking. Her steadfsat efforts made her the first ever recipient of Pakistan's National Youth Peace Prize, which was later renamed in her honor as the National Malala Peace Prize, and the youngest person to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize at seventeen.
3. Emma Watson
British actress and U.N. Goodwill Ambassador, Emma Watson advocates for women's rights and feminism for all through her HeforShe campaign. Best known for her work in the Harry Potter films, Watson has gone on to be a strong activist who ensures that the world hears her voice and the voices of others.
4. Carol Ann Duffy
Carol Ann Duffy, who I had the honor of meeting at my university this fall, is the first woman, first openly LGBT+ person, and first Scot to be named Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. Her poems often surround feminist issues and the roles of women in society. Duffy certainly is a poet of our times.
5. Rowan Blanchard
Rowan Blanchard is a fifteen-year-old American actress, and an excellent role model for her young viewers and fans. Her knowledge about intersectional feminism and her outspokenness about this and other social issues are impressive--I wish I'd known that much when I was fifteen. Blanchard is a celebrity I look up to, and I hope that kids who watch her Disney channel show, Girl Meets World, will both learn about the values she stands up for, and learn from her openness to being further educated on such issues.
6. Michelle Obama
Our educated and elegant First Lady, Michelle Obama, inspires me and so many other women in America. She embodies what our country should be, as she stands up for the rights of not only women, but of immigrants, working class people, children, and everyone, really. She believes in both hard work and kindness, something that is admirable and important in any setting.
