This past Sunday the world celebrated international women’s day, but the most encouraging feminist celebrities are actively engaged in reforming the female image every day. The women on this list may be beautiful, feminine, and sexy, but their message to young girls and adult men is unanimous: support equal opportunities, respect all people in spite of their gender, and don’t judge women based on their appearance. However, it’s not all just talk with these ladies: their careers and public behaviour exemplify the feminist spirit in many ways, thereby acting as positive role models.
In fact, some of the gems on this list can also be found in our previous compilation of child stars that turned out just fine, so if you’re curious to see which other stars stray away from Hollywood clichés, take a look. But for now, check out the most encouraging feminist celebrities and why their fan base just keeps on growing.
6. Yoko Ono
This little lady may have become known for standing by her man’s (John Lennon) side, but apart from protesting peacefully, Yoko Ono was also a supporter of the gender equality movement. While she’s still actively engaged in reshaping the female role through her art, it was her essay on “The Feminization of Society”, written in 1972, which really put her on the feminist map.
5. Oprah Winfrey
Everybody loves Oprah because of her feminine and empathic nature. However, the TV star is also a superb role model for girls and women around the world, given her success story. Starting out as a broadcaster submitted to unequal pay, Oprah decided to go her own way and now hosts one of the most popular daytime television shows in history. She also founded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.
4. Angelina Jolie
A true force of nature, this tough and exotic woman cannot be stopped, not even by health issues. Her choice to publicly share the struggle of undergoing a double-masectomy in order to eradicate possible breast cancer was touching and brave, to say the least. But apart from her contribution in raising awareness towards women’s health, Angelina Jolie has also proven time and time again that sex-appeal doesn’t make a woman beautiful, her soul does. As an active UN ambassador, mother of six, and actress, she’s not one to be defined by social constructs.
3. Emma Watson
One of the youngest women on our list of the most encouraging feminist celebrities is the 24-year-old actress Emma Watson. As part of Hollywood’s new elite, she’s made a point of only playing characters that empower women and her recent graduation from Brown University proved that this British powerhouse is to be taken seriously. Educated, graceful, and stunningly beautiful, Watson is not one to be shy about her stance on feminism. Her speech in front of the United Nations reminding men to join the fight for equal opportunities, was moving enough to go viral, thereby enhancing Watson’s reach.
2. Lena Dunham
In the last few years, Lena Dunham has caused more of a whirlwind around her than the majority of Hollywood’s newcomers put together. Why? Well, her HBO show Girls shines an entirely new light on the modern day female reality, by creating characters far from the stereotypes we’re accustomed to seeing on TV. And like most feminists, her views have been repeatedly attacked by men (and some women), but the 28-year-old has stood her ground and is now more successful than ever.
1. Beyoncé
Although there has been an ongoing debate about the pop diva’s stance on feminism in the past, her latest album put the chatter to an end. On several songs, such as Flawless and Pretty Hurts, Beyoncé addresses the issue of female beauty standards and how these are corrupting the true potential in young women by focusing their attention on superficial values. But apart from her lyrics, she has become one of the most followed female role models due to her poised, yet fierce attitude, and her image as a wife, mother, and career woman. Without a doubt, Beyoncé is one of the most encouraging feminist celebrities in the world.
