On August 26th, we celebrate National Women’s Equality Day, a day that marks the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote.

This milestone was the result of decades of tireless work by suffragists and activists who fought for women’s rights at a time when gender equality was far from the norm.

Below, we highlight the top 10 women who are currently leading the way in advocating for women’s rights and gender equality.

Malala Yousafzai is a global advocate for girls’ education and women’s rights. After surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban for her activism, Malala co-founded the Malala Fund, which fights for every girl’s right to 12 years of free, safe, and quality education. Her courage and dedication have made her a symbol of the power of education and the importance of empowering young women. At just 17, she became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, and she continues to be a leading voice in the fight for gender equality worldwide.

Kamala Harris made history as the first female Vice President of the United States, the highest-ranking woman in U.S. government history. Before becoming Vice President, Harris served as a U.S. Senator and as the Attorney General of California. Throughout her career, she has been a staunch advocate for women’s rights, including issues like reproductive rights, equal pay, and protecting women from violence. Harris’s ground breaking role in American politics serves as a powerful example of how women can break barriers and lead at the highest levels.

Greta Thunberg, though primarily known for her climate activism, has become a prominent advocate for the intersectionality of climate justice and gender equality. Thunberg has emphasized how climate change disproportionately affects women, particularly in developing countries. Her activism highlights the need for inclusive solutions that address the needs of all genders in combating climate change. Thunberg’s leadership has inspired a global movement of young activists who are not only fighting for environmental sustainability but also for a more equitable world.

Tarana Burke is the founder of the #MeToo movement, which has brought global attention to the issues of sexual harassment and assault. Burke started the movement to support survivors of sexual violence, particularly women of colour, and it has since grown into a worldwide movement that has empowered countless women to speak out about their experiences. Burke’s work continues to push for cultural and legal changes to protect women from violence and ensure that survivors are heard and believed.

Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi are the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which has become a powerful force in advocating for racial justice and equality. BLM not only addresses police brutality and systemic racism but also highlights the intersectional struggles that Black women face. These leaders have broadened the scope of the movement to include issues of gender and sexuality, ensuring that the fight for justice is inclusive and comprehensive.

Emma Watson is an actress and activist who has used her platform to advocate for gender equality. As a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, Watson launched the “HeForShe” campaign, which encourages men and boys to join the fight for gender equality. Her work has focused on promoting women’s rights in various sectors, including education, politics, and the workplace. Watson’s advocacy has helped to bring gender equality issues into mainstream discussions and has inspired many to take action.

Amanda Gorman is a poet and activist whose work centres on issues of race, gender, and social justice. Gorman gained international recognition after delivering her poem “The Hill We Climb” at President Biden’s inauguration. Her powerful words have inspired millions and brought attention to the ways in which art and literature can be used as tools for activism. Gorman continues to use her platform to advocate for change and to highlight the voices of those who are often marginalised.

Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, has been widely praised for her leadership, particularly in times of crisis. Ardern’s response to events like the Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted her empathetic and decisive leadership style. She has also been a strong advocate for women’s rights, pushing for policies that support gender equality, such as paid parental leave and equal pay. Ardern’s leadership on the global stage has made her a role model for women in politics around the world.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is the former Executive Director of UN Women, where she played a key role in advancing gender equality on a global scale. Under her leadership, UN Women focused on initiatives like ending violence against women, economic empowerment, and political participation. Mlambo-Ngcuka’s work has been instrumental in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to gender equality. Her efforts have helped to bring about tangible changes in the lives of women and girls worldwide.

Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist who played a pivotal role in ending the Second Liberian Civil War. Gbowee’s leadership of the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, a nonviolent movement that brought together Christian and Muslim women, was instrumental in achieving peace in Liberia. Her work earned her a Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, and she continues to advocate for women’s rights, peacebuilding, and social justice. Gbowee’s story is a powerful example of how women’s leadership can bring about transformative change in the face of adversity.

These women are at the forefront of today’s fight for gender equality, each leading in their own way and making significant strides toward a more equitable world.

Their work reminds us that while progress has been made, the journey toward full equality is ongoing and requires the efforts of all.