Here are some of the game-changing Gen Z women for inspiration and insight into how your involvement and unique perspective matters
1. Malala Yousafzai
As the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala is an avid Pakistani activist for human rights and women’s education. After surviving a bullet to the head during an assassination attempt by the Taliban, she now studies at the University of Oxford while continuing her activism. Malala has co-authored a best-seller based on her life, founded her own non-profit, and addressed prestigious audiences such as Canada’s House of Commons among other feats. Her resilience and dedication to women’s education is truly uplifting.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
2. Yara Shahidi
With a lead role in the Freeform series Grown-ish, a presidential endorsement from Oprah, and an acceptance letter to Harvard University among other things, Yara is a multivariant queen. She consistently uses her platform to rise political and social consciousness, while also showing off her killer taste in fashion and smooth dance moves.
Daily Mail
3. Emma González
As a survivor of the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Emma is an avid advocate for gun control in the United States. With her classmates, she co-founded the prominent gun-control advocacy group “Never Again MSD”. Emma’s assistance in organizing the massive March for Our Lives protest and powerful speech “calling B.S.” on the inaction by politicians supported by the NRA shows the immense impact that one voice can have.
CNN
4. Rowan Blanchard
Formerly known for her breakout role as Riley Matthews on Girl Meets World, Rowan now dedicates her time to public activism in addition to acting. Intersectional feminism, gun violence, and immigration are just a few issues she eloquently addresses through her social media. From speaking at the UN Women’s conference to slaying in blockbusters like A Wrinkle in Time, Rowan proves she is a brilliant, conscientious public figure.
Getty/Gregg DeGuire
5. Zendaya
Former Disney icon, Zendaya is proof that you CAN do it all. She sings, she dances, she acts, and she designs clothes, and she takes perfect selfies among many other talents. As a global women’s ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger, a spokesmodel for Lancôme, and a rising actress with credits including The Greatest Showman and Spider-Man: Homecoming, Zendaya is set to blow up in the following years.
Marie Claire/Thomas Whiteside