We talk a lot about badass men and women from around the world who are leading the way for feminists everywhere. Sometimes it can be hard to keep up with all the amazing work folks are doing around the world.
We asked our team here at New York Minute Magazine who their favorite feminists are, and here is what they said:
Cale Manning, Audio Engineer
Favorite Feminist: Eleanor Roosevelt
As a history nerd I’ve always been a big fan of Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a huge fighter for women’s issues even before ‘feminism’ was a thing. Not only that but she paved the way for other important figures such as Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton.
Alyssa Mistivar, PR Intern
Favorite Feminist: Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay has been the face of television justice for as long as I can remember. The character she plays continuously fights for the rights of marginalized people; in real, life her work is equally commendable. She is the founder and president of the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization that supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The Foundation has raised over $20 million and helped over 5,000 survivors. Mariska is a feminist philanthropist we can all admire.
Lindsey Smith, Writing Intern
Favorite Feminist: Emma Watson
My feminist icon would have to be Emma Watson because she encourages feminist writers through her book club Our Shared Shelf, is a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, and launched the UN campaign HeforShe. Besides that, I grew up watching her on the big screen in the Harry Potter movies, where her character owns her intelligence and never backs down from a challenge.
Yesha Trivedi, Development Intern
Favorite Feminist: Malala Yousafzai
I consider my favorite feminist leader as a Malala Yousafzai. The 20-year-old, who has been an advocate for women across the globe ever since she was shot in the head in 2012 for defying a Taliban ban on Pakistani girls attending school. Yousafzai has made incredible strides in making sure girls across the globe have the ability to learn and grow without obstacles.
I truly consider her as my idol and a great feminist leader with the immense amount of strength to fight against inequality. She is fearless and calm at the same point, she works all over the world to empower women and providing them an education.
Sarah Rizkalla, Founder and Editor in Chief
Favorite Feminist: Her Mother
When we set out to name our lioness (the face of NYMM), it didn’t take long for me to realize that NYMM’s lioness should be named after the woman from whom I’ve learned the most, and continue to do so. The woman who inspires me, challenges me, corrects me, and has shown me what a selfless, ferocious, loving, empowered woman is. The woman whose strength I aspire to emulate. That woman is my badass mom.
Amanda Keohane, Lead Editor and Chief of Staff
Favorite Feminist: Jameela Jamil
We’ve written about her before, but there is so much to say about the fierce power of Jameela Jamil and her “i_weigh” campaign that promotes healthy body image. At the moment, she is taking on the internet, speaking out against celebrities (like Khloe Kardashian) who promote unhealthy diet regimens. She refers to herself as a “feminist-in-progress” and that right there says it all. She is my inspiration for how I wish to conduct my life, look at myself, and move forward in this world.
Who are your feminist inspirations? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Image by Tatiana T on Flickr
Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
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