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Every December, the FT Weekend Magazine puts together a special issue dedicated to the most influential women of the year: 25 heroes, leaders and creators from around the world and across industries who have shaped the past 12 months and, more likely than not, will shape the future.
An important part of this project are the nominations that we receive from you, our readers, via the comment section on FT.com, Instagram, emails and letters. We are always excited to hear about the women who have impacted, inspired or impressed you. Here are some of the nominees put forward by you that were not already on our list. These trailblazing women have pushed boundaries, made important discoveries, advocated for change and challenged the status quo.
Rebecca Gomperts
doctor and women’s rights activist
For providing healthcare to American women at times when their rights are threatened.
—GL-00000 via FT.com
Susie Wiles
CAMPAIGN STRATEGIST
For her part in steering the Republican party to victory in the presidential race.
—Bliain an bhFrancach via FT.com
Simran Kaur
WRITER AND PODCASTER
Simran Kaur from Girls That Invest because she’s opened up the world of investment to ordinary women, especially those from a south Asian background like me where the cultural consensus is to save. She provides useful, free information in a digestible format that can be applied to your own circumstances and is a pioneer when it comes to breaking down traditional barriers to investing.
—FIfeminist via FT.com
Louise Johnson
CEO
Global CEO of Fuse and the first global female head of a sports talent agency. Led the jury as president at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Hugely influential and a role model within the creative sector. She has opened up offices in three countries already this year with more on the horizon.
—Sarah, Brighton via FT.com
Jean Oelwang
CEO
Founded [entrepreneurial foundation] Virgin Unite and The Elders (which was led by Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and others). She also founded the B Team (Paul Polman, Jesper Brodin et al) and then the Planetary Guardians (with Johan Rockström, Jane Goodall, Christiana Figueres, Sylvia Earle et al). Jean is a huge champion of collaboration and partnership and solving big problems together.
—RSPG via FT.com
Zendaya
Actress
I think she is an amazing role model from the entertainment industry and she had a great year. I admire her talent, professionalism, style, her integrity and how she navigates the world of her industry.
—Mon_2021 via FT.com
Francesca Albanese
UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories
For speaking up where so many others are silencing down.
—@blissbohemian via Instagram
Ula Maria
Garden designer
Winner of Best in Show at Chelsea Flower Show this year, beating off some “big name” designers. Originally from rural Lithuania, her childhood experiences in nature directly influence her design work.
—@lucy.bellamy via Instagram
Poppy Gustafsson
UK Minister of State for Investment
Proving that exemplary tech success is possible in the UK and then representing the UK on the global stage.
—PierceEggsBeforeSucking via FT.com
Toshiko Abe
japan Minister of education
For her role in Japan’s government as minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology.
—Bliain an bhFrancach via FT.com
Madison Marsh
physicist
Physicist, US Air Force Academy grad, Harvard student, Miss America, fighter pilot. No, she is not a CEO, but her credentials are equally as admirable and respectable.
–HITTman
Read the full article here