Most empowering women of 2025 - and the messages that make them stand out

Daily Mirror

08-05-2025

A poll of 4,000 UK adults has named the most inspiring women of 2025 - and the messages they share that make them stand out to others
Michelle Obama, Katie Piper, and the late Dame Deborah James have been hailed as 2025's most empowering female role models following a survey of 4,000 adults. Other notable names gracing the list include the iconic Tina Turner, Olympic great Dame Kelly Holmes, activist Greta Thunberg, and even the beloved fictional Bridget Jones, who all featured in the top 20.
Included among this esteemed roster are pioneering poet and civil rights advocate Maya Angelou, Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, and celebrated actress and philanthropist Emma Thompson. As well as mathematician extraordinaire Hannah Fry and the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who also secured a place among the most iconic.
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This uplifting survey comes courtesy of Galaxy and its collaboration with the Young Women's Trust, which seeks to level the financial playing field for young women.
Romi Mackiewicz, director at Galaxy, remarked: "We know role models play a critical role in helping lift people up and can positively impact confidence, career, and even health."
Romi added: "Our research shows that women think it's important to have a female role model and highlights the need to celebrate women who embrace a new definition of empowerment."
The survey revealed that role models play a crucial role in empowering people to implement significant changes in their lives. These changes include taking on leadership positions, focusing on mental wellbeing, allowing time for self-care, and vocalising issues that matter to them most.
The findings highlighted the most appreciated qualities in role models as honesty, kindness, and intellect. Respondents were notably motivated by genuine online portrayals of both the highs and lows of life.
A third said they are moved by people being honest about the tough times, and 15% said showing authenticity with unfiltered posts is the quality that inspires them most.
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Interestingly, the workplace emerged as a vital place for discovering role models. However, a contrast was noticed between age groups : while 67% of adults over 45 don't seek out role models, a mere 7% of Gen Z adults shared this outlook.
For those seeking inspiration from role models, 48% of the older demographic and 63% of Gen Z looked to friends and family. However, the younger generation also sought guidance from influencers (34%), television (28%), and celebrities (23%).
A Galaxy spokesperson added: "Our top 20 list highlights women who have stayed true to themselves, standing up for what they believe in, even when faced with criticism.
"At Galaxy, we champion women and are partnering with the Young Women's Trust to help women and their communities thrive. We are excited to showcase such an incredibly diverse list of empowered women, celebrate their achievements, and remind people of the importance and power of identifying a role model."
The most empowering women of 2025:
Michelle Obama: Former First Lady
Katie Piper: Burns survivor
Dame Deborah James: Cancer awareness advocate
Tina Turner: Musician
Dame Kelly Holmes: Olympic gold medallist
Greta Thunberg: Climate activist
Maya Angelou: Poet, civil rights activist
Oprah Winfrey: Presenter
Malala Yousafzai: Activist, Nobel Prize Laurette
Emma Thompson: Actress
Denise Lewis: Olympic gold medallist
Kate Winslet: Actress
Hannah Fry: Mathematician
Emma Watson: Actress
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Supreme Court Justice
Vivienne Westwood: Fashion designer
Joan Collins: Actress
Selena Gomez: Musician
Bridget Jones: Fictional character
Nicola Adams: Olympic boxer