With our Student Women of the Year campaign launching, it’s only right for us to celebrate amazing women who are making a change in the world… not just students. Although if you do want to nominate someone for our Student Women of the Year award, you can do so here.

Here are the women who stand up for what they believe in, put their beliefs into actions and shout about what matters most. If you’re not already following them on social media, hit that follow button now.

1. Greta Thunberg

Inspiring an international movement to fight climate change, the 17 year old Swede has encouraged millions of people around the world to join protests for the cause. It all started for Greta when she was only 15, and won an essay writing competition on climate change. Three months later she then started protesting in front of the Swedish parliament building, missing school on Fridays and urging the world to join her.

Since then Greta has taken the whole of 2019 off school to continue campaigning as well as attending key climate conferences around the world.

2. Lizzo

If you’re looking for a body positivity icon, you’re in the right place. Lizzo is not just a successful musician, she also champions self love and body positivity through her music. Lizzo has addressed trolls commenting on her body saying “I’ve come to terms with body dysmorphia and evolved. The body positive movement is doing the same thing. We’re growing together, and it’s growing pains, but I’m just glad that I’m attached to something so organic and alive.” Her lyrics represent everything she stands for as she champions the selfcare message we all need to hear.

3. Jameela Jamil

Whether it’s challenging brands for photoshopping people’s ‘flaws’ or championing inclusivity through her I Weigh movement, Jameela encourages positive change on a variety of important issues. If you’re not following her on Twitter yet, what are you waiting for? She’s not afraid to call out any bullshit, and that’s exactly why we love her.

4. Meghan Markle

A perfect example of why it’s important to leave any toxic situations. Megan Markle may have had the media on her back 24/7, but we’re here to sing her praises. She’s been a feminist from day 1. When she was younger she watched a sexist advert and immediately took action writing a letter to Proctor and Gamble… and the best thing is the advert got changed. She’s also a humanitarian as well as peaking out about what it’s like to be a woman of colour. Read more about why we love Meghan here.

5. Beyonce

Who runs the world? Singer, actress, wife, mother and… feminist. Beyonce isn’t one to shy away from the subject with the word ‘feminist’ up in lights on the stage for her 2014 MTV Video Music awards performance. The singer told Elle: ‘I put the definition of feminist in my song ["Flawless"] and on my tour, not for propaganda or to proclaim to the world that I'm a feminist, but to give clarity to the true meaning. I'm not really sure people know or understand what a feminist is, but it's very simple. It's someone who believes in equal rights for men and women. I don't understand the negative connotation of the word, or why it should exclude the opposite sex.’ You go girl!