The majority of people that make a difference in today’s world through politics, media, education, literature and more are women. Many women have fought and challenged the face of desegregation and sexism to make this world a much better place. Through social media, many battle to prove the equality between genders, representing women in a strong and passionate prominence that inspires all. Here are some you may know:

1. Amelia Bloomer – Although she is not generally familiar, Bloomer is strikingly influential. She was the first woman to edit a published newspaper dedicated to women. Bloomer also created a very unique fashion style that became popular during her time. They were called bloomers and were a form of loose fitting trousers that gathered at the ankle, and later the knee.

2. Angela Bassett – This actress and activist is known for her roles in Malcolm X, The Rosa Parks Story and, more recently, Black Panther. She greatly influences people of all ages in her works of television, especially due to her support of foundations such as Boys & Girls Club of America, UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, Human Rights Campaign, and Motion Picture and Television Fund Foundation. In this day and age, representation is everything, so to display a giving and kind person in the limelight of media is truly important.

3. Anne Frank – Despite the fact that she has been gone for over 70 years, she still influences people today through revelations in her diary of what she and her family and friends went through during WW2. Her words and her positive outlook on life continue to inspire people. Keeping her head held high during something so terrifying shows how strong women can be, even at a young age.

4. Indra Nooyi – This Indian American CEO of PepsiCo holds one of the biggest food and beverage companies. In her business background, she has also helped established many of the popular and large chain food restaurants. Nooyi shows her importance through her work ethics, and proves to people that women can undoubtedly operate some of the highest grossing companies throughout the world. She also sets a prime example for women who are striving for a successful career in business just as she has done.

5. Lupita Nyong’o – A Kenyan-Mexican actress and the daughter of Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, a Kenyan politician, she has performed in such popular works as Queen of Katwe, 12 Years a Slave, and the well-known Black Panther as a co-star of Angela Bassett. Just as her coworker, Nyong’o’s appearance in her newest work is extremely important because she represents a woman of color who is portrayed with the utmost intelligence. To develop a portrayal of someone with such importance in the spotlight develops an influential and inspiration in young children to achieve what they want and work hard for it.

6. Malala Yousafzai – Many know her as the young woman who was shot in the head as she traveled home from school one day, though she was able to undergo multiple surgeries that helped her recover. Her story soon became the focus of news, as it should have been, which helped her to gain many believers and supporters. Once regaining full recovery, she fought and battled as a Pakistani activist for female education. This, like many of these women, shows children that they can strive and achieve many great things, and encourages them to continue pursuing dreams no matter what downfalls they come across. Yousafzai is an inspiration to all for her bravery and will strive through her literature, which has granted her the Nobel Laureate.

7. Michelle Obama – She served as the first African-American First Lady and wife to our 44th president, Barack Obama. She aided her husband when he was commander-in-chief. She made remarks and speeches that inspired women across our nation to speak out and fight for what they believe. She continues to support many organizations and people as well as advocating for many education causes. She reminded women that they have power and the ability to campaign for their beliefs.

8. Oprah Winfrey – Many define her as one of the most, if not the most, important woman of the world. She was able to overcome a harsh background to grow and spread her platform to society on a powerful scale. Instead of abusing her power or representing negative things, she uses her fame as a game-changer in the world through acts of politics and the movement of the public. She affects culture in a positive way, proving that women are powerful enough to be someone with authority over change.

9. Rosa Parks – The mother of the freedom movement is well-known for her act on December 1, 1955, when she refused to surrender her seat on a segregated bus. In doing so, she became an activist all across the world for her bravery, and showed many people what it means to stand up against segregation. She is an inspiration, proving that there will always be a place and a time for people to speak their mind and to stand up for themselves.

10. Rosie the Riveter – Still greatly known as the strong woman saying the famous words, “We Can Do It!” in the propaganda piece of WW2 that promotes the women who held jobs in shipyards or factories, this cultural icon influenced women and showed them they are just as strong and just as tough as men. It represented equality and feminism in the best of way and her image has been used to earn support for women since she was first introduced 75 years ago.