There's no denying that it's been a turbulent year. From Brexit to the American election, it's been a pretty tough ride.
But women have undoubtedly made their voice heard amongst the political noise. From popstars-turned-political activists (we're looking at you Beyoncé and the gift that was Lemonade), to the first ever female running for President, women have nudged a few more cracks in the seemingly unbreakable glass ceiling.
There's no doubt that we're eagerly waiting to usher in 2017, but it's important to reflect on what has been a monumental year for women. And so in celebration of their undeniable influence, we round up the most unforgettable women of the year.
Jo Cox
Will be remembered for her philanthropic endeavours and commitment to her local community
This year sadly marked the loss of Labour MP Jo Cox after she was murdered in June 2016. But her philanthropic endeavours and commitment to her local community live on in her memory.
The Yorkshire-born politician will be remembered for her endless desire to help others in need. Cox spent a decade at Oxfam for instance, where she worked as head of policy and advocacy, headed up humanitarian campaigning in New York, and eventually became head of their European office in Brussels.
Jo will also be remembered for her pursuit to support women, as she spent four years as national chair of Labour Women’s Network, helping more women to enter public life. Before she passed away, Cox was also in the process of launching UK Women, an institute designed to meet the needs of women in the UK.
But it was her fierce defence of immigration which touched the nation more than anything, particularly in the wake of Brexit. Her maiden speech made back in 2015 was a strong message for the country, as she spoke of how immigration ‘deeply enhanced’ the local community.
A strong Remainer, Cox spoke of how proud she was to be from West Yorkshire: “Our communities have been deeply enhanced by immigration, be it of Irish Catholics across the constituency or of Muslims from Gujarat in India or from Pakistan, principally from Kashmir.”
She continued, “While we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and time again as I travel around the constituency is that we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.”
Hillary Clinton
For being the first woman to run for President
Hillary Clinton may not have won the election against Donald Trump, but it's important not to forget the impact she had upon women worldwide. Standing up against Trump's misogynistic comments and alleged sexal assaults, Clinton inspired a vast female following.
And despite losing the election, the former Democratic presidential cadidate still managed to instil hope. In her final speech, she addressed women across the globe and thanked them for making her their 'champion'.
Clinton assured audiences far and wide: 'Now I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling - but someday someone will, and hopefully sooner than we might think right now.'
She continued, 'And to all the little girls who are watching this: never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance in the world to pursue your dreams.'
Amal Clooney
For taking on ISIS
Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney is undoubtedly an influential figure but 2016 was a tough year for the 38-year-old. Dubbed ‘Kim Kardashian with a law degree’ by the media, Amal faced criticism over her support of husband George Clooney’s acting career.
But she continues to prove the headlines wrong, as she takes on some of the world’s most controversial cases. This year, Amal achieved one of her greatest legal wins to date, after her client Mohamed Nasheed, the former president of the Maldives, was granted refugee status in the UK. Nasheed had been sent to prison following terrorism charges in 2012 after being overthrown.
But it was Amal’s announcement that she would be taking on ISIS that really shocked the nation. Back in September, it was reported that the human rights lawyer would provide legal representation for Nadia Murad.
The 23-year-old was kidnapped by ISIS in 2014 and was then forced to work as a sex slave until her eventual escape. The Yazidi woman has since become a Goodwill Ambassador to the UN.
Despite the risks, Amal welcomed the case with open arms and hopes to work alongside Nadia to bring down the terrorist group for crimes against the Yazidi community in Iraq.
Beyoncé
For her ground-breaking album 'Lemonade'
First, there was surprise single Formation. A bold statement in support of Black Lives Matter, Beyoncé outwardly challenged the recent police shootings in America. Then on April 23, Beyoncé dropped a whole new album.
Lemonade, packed with a fierce political message again in support of Black Lives Matter, the singer stood up against the political unrest in wake of the US election. Featuring high-profile black women such as tennis champion Serena Williams, Lemonade was undoubtedly one of the most talked about albums of the year. The singer-songwriter certainly reminded us that women are strong in the face of sexism.
Emma Watson
For her commitment to feminism
Named as one of the most influential figures last year by TIME, Emma Watson has finally begun to be recognised for her commitment to issues surrounding feminism, sexuality and gender.
The actress has been challenging sexism and promoting gender equality even more so since becoming the Global Goodwill Ambassador of UN Women back in 2014, regularly speaking on behalf of the #HeForShe campaign. And the actress even took 2016 out to focus on campaigning for equal rights.
Last month, Emma spoke out against campus sexual assult. Following the horrific ordeal of a rape victim at Stanford University, which saw 20-year-old Brock Allen Turner guilty of three counts of sexual assault, Emma spoke up about the need to protect female students.
The 25-year-old gave a particularly powerful speech at the Annual UN General Assembly in New York City. Emma told the audience: "A university should be a place of refuge that takes action against all forms of violence. That’s why we believe students should leave university believing in, striving for and expecting societies of true equality."
Angelina Jolie
For raising awareness of ovarian and breast cancer
It was recently proven that the ‘Angelina Jolie effect' is real. New research published in the British Medical Medical by Sunita Desai and Anupam Jena of Harvard Medical School, revealed that the actress’ public declaration surrounding her double mastectomy led to an increase in the number of women seeking genetic testing.
After the actress discovered that she had the BRCA1 gene, Jolie decided to undergo a double mastectomy, which subsequently decreased her chances of developing cancer.
She famously penned her personal experiences in a piece for the New York Times back in 2013: “I am writing about it now because I hope that other women can benefit from my experience. Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness."
She continued, “But today it is possible to find out through a blood test whether you are highly susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer, and then take action.”
With more and more women aware of the risks of ovarian and breast cancer, the numbers seeking genetic testing have increased. Here’s to hoping it will continue to help save lives.
Gina Miller
For becoming known as 'the woman leading the Brexit battle'
Rewind a few months back and nobody had heard of Gina Miller. But ever since the investment manager and philanthropist decided to challenge who should trigger Article 50, the lead claimant has become known as the woman who is trying to prevent Brexit from coming into fruition.
And the 51-year-old has managed to contest the nation’s overall vote through the Royal Prerogative to trigger Article 50, a belief that Parliament should have to approve the decision to leave the European Union. Following a three-day hearing, the High Court ruled in favour of her case thus delaying Theresa May’s March 2017 deadline. Remain voters have hailed Miller a hero for what they consider a triumph for the Remainers.
Chrissy Chambers
For being the first person to take legal action against revenge porn in the UK
Revenge porn has been illegal in the UK since April 2015, carrying a punishment of up to two years in prison. And American YouTube star Chrissy Chambers was the first woman to seek legal action in the UK, after her British ex-boyfriend allegedly uploaded a naked video of her back in 2013 to a porn website without her consent.
The 25-year-old discovered the video after her friend saw it. She told Grazia, “I Googled myself and what I saw made me crumble to the ground in tears. I was struck with terror - I would never have guessed he’d do this to me.”
Claiming the ordeal had caused her to develop post-traumatic stress, the YouTube star took it upon herself to launch an appeal. But it wasn’t easy.
As her British ex-boyfriend uploaded the content in the UK, American police denied that they could get involved. She then approached British police only to be told that they couldn’t handle the case as it was filmed in the United States.
But Chrissy didn’t lose hope. She got in contact with London-based law firm McAllister Olivarius, which specialises in dealing with revenge porn cases. As the incident happened before revenge porn became a crime in the UK, they launched a civil case against her ex-boyfriend.
Chrissy and her lawyers also filed papers to sue the porn websites which were hosting the explicit footage.
Chrissy was the first woman to use British courts to sue websites for publishing revenge porn.
Anja Ringgren Lovén
For founding 'Hope', a charity campaign designed to save the lives of children accused of witchcraft in Nigeria
Earlier this year, an image of a deprived Nigerian boy went viral after founder of the African Children’s Aid Education and Development Foundation, Anja Ringgren Lovén, shared the post via her Facebook page.
In Akwa Ibom, children are at risk of being beaten or abandoned by their families due to the superstition that they are witches. The young boy had been deserted by his family due to this widespread belief.
Thankfully, Anja and her team rescued the child and took him into their care. Named Hope by his rescuers, the young boy has since recovered and inspired Anja to found Hope, a charity campaign dedicated to saving children accused of witchcraft.
In the Facebook post, Anja stated: “I’ve seen much here in Nigeria over the last 3 years. I have spared you [from] many experiences when we’ve been on the rescue operations. Thousands of children are being accused of being witches and we’ve both seen torture of children, dead children and frightened children. This footage shows why I fight. Why I sold everything I own. Why I’m moving out in uncharted territory.”
Anja now runs a children’s home for young people accused of witchcraft with her partner, David. There are currently 34 children living in their care.
Anja told The Huffington Post, “We rescue and we give love and support to the vulnerable children accused of witchcraft in Akwa Ibom. But to put an end to superstition, exorcism and black magic performed by pastors and the so-called witch doctors, advocacy work must be carried out.
She continued: “We work on the human nature that every child in the world has the right to food and education, and to live a dignified life. Our values consist of showing sheer compassion, care and love for those who need it the most and through that create confidence.”
READ MORE: These Are The 12 Best-Dressed Women Of 2016
READ MORE: Meet The Women Fighting Back Against Post-Referendum Hate Crimes