The rating has been published on the website of the National Rating Platform "Women Who Inspire — World 2025". The ElitExpert rating agency, with the help of independent experts, has gathered 20 women who, in our opinion, have already left their mark on history and are changing reality for the better. These are scientists, actresses, politicians, athletes, public figures, and philanthropists - each of them proves with their work and beliefs that women's influence on the world is enormous.
Royals and First Ladies
1. Kate Middleton (Great Britain) – royal elegance and strength of spirit
Princess of Wales Kate Middleton has established herself over the years not just as a member of the royal family, but as an active public figure. She has dedicated herself to supporting charitable initiatives in the areas of children's mental health, education and the protection of family values.
However, her impact extends beyond traditional charity work. In 2024, she revealed her battle with cancer. Despite her personal challenges, Kate continues to inspire millions with her resilience and courage. She speaks out about the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and access to treatment, making her a more significant voice in the healthcare field.
Her style, tact and impeccable behavior have made her a true icon not only of the British, but also of the world's monarchy. And her personal example proves that even in the most difficult moments, it is possible to maintain dignity, strength of spirit and care for others.
2. Melania Trump (USA) – elegance, resilience and influence
Melania Trump is one of the most enigmatic first ladies in U.S. history. A former Yugoslav model, businesswoman, polyglot (speaking five languages), and philanthropist, she built her public career before marrying Donald Trump.
As First Lady of the United States, she initiated the Be Best campaign, aimed at protecting children from cyberbullying and improving their well-being. After returning to the White House in January 2025, she announced the resumption of the program and also announced that she would personally conduct tours of the presidential residence for children from low-income families, giving them a unique opportunity to learn about American history and culture.
Despite frequent criticism from the media, Melania has always maintained impeccable style, restraint and the ability to keep her distance, remaining one of the most influential women of her time. And her unusual image and hat, which she wore at her husband's second inauguration, were not inferior to the inauguration itself in terms of attention from the world media.
3. Brigitte Macron (France) – style and breaking stereotypes
Brigitte Macron is the first lady of France, who challenged traditional ideas about age differences in marriage and the role of women in politics. She began her career as a literature teacher, where she met her future husband, Emmanuel Macron. Despite the large age difference, their union became a symbol of love that overcomes social prejudices.
Since becoming First Lady, she has been actively involved in public affairs, focusing on educational reforms and supporting youth initiatives. Her commitment to improving the education system and combating digital inequality has made her an influential figure in France.
In addition, her impeccable style and charisma inspire women around the world, proving that age is not an obstacle to an active social life and personal happiness.
Politics and global influence
4. Ursula von der Leyen (Germany) – the woman who leads Europe
The first woman to lead the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen is one of the most influential figures not only in Europe but in the modern world. A former German defense minister, she is known for her reforms aimed at strengthening security and a stronger EU.
Before being appointed European Commission President in 2019, von der Leyen held key positions in the German government, including as defense minister, where she implemented reforms aimed at modernizing the armed forces and strengthening the role of women in the military.
Since 2022, she has played a key role in comprehensive support for Ukraine, promoting sanctions against Russia and strengthening the alliance between Europe and Ukraine.
5. Giorgia Maloni (Italy) – first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister
By becoming the first female prime minister in the history of Italy (which makes her similar to Yulia Tymoshenko in Ukraine), Giorgia Maloni broke stereotypes and proved that perseverance and political convictions can lead to the heights of power, despite any obstacles.
Her political career began in her youth, and despite numerous difficulties, she has proven herself as a determined leader. Maloney is known for her tough stance on national interests, the economy, and security, as well as her commitment to protecting traditional values.
Now, she is showing by her example that women can be strong political leaders even in the most difficult circumstances. She inspires women around the world to fight for their beliefs and not be afraid to go against the grain.
6. Kamala Harris (USA) – political pioneer and advocate for equality
Kamala Harris made history as the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian to hold the position of Vice President of the United States. Her career path – from prosecutor to second in command in the most powerful country in the world – was not easy, but she always remained true to the principles of justice and equality.
Harris is an active advocate for women's rights, health care and education reforms, and equal opportunity for all Americans. She is not afraid to raise difficult issues and build dialogue between different communities.
Her journey to the top is an inspiring example for all women, especially those who face obstacles in their path to achieving their goals. Harris proves that leadership is not about gender or background, but about principles and the ability to make decisions that change the world.
7. Christine Lagarde (France) – the woman who runs global finance
Christine Lagarde became the first woman to lead the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2011, and later the European Central Bank in 2019.
Lagarde is known for her pragmatism and ability to make decisions in difficult economic conditions. Her leadership during the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how competence and determination can stabilize the global economy.
In a traditionally male-dominated field of finance, Christine Lagarde has broken the glass ceiling and become one of the most influential figures in the global economy. She inspires women around the world, showing that there are no “male” or “female” professions – only professionalism and dedication.
Women human rights defenders and public figures
8. Oprah Winfrey (USA) – from poverty to global influence
Oprah's story is proof that you can achieve anything if you don't give up. Born into a poor family and having a difficult childhood, she was able to break into television and create the legendary The Oprah Winfrey Show, which became a cult in the English-speaking world.
Today, Oprah is a billionaire, a super-successful businesswoman, a philanthropist, and an author. She supports girls' education in Africa, donates millions to charity, and speaks out about the importance of mental health.
Her journey inspires millions of people around the world, especially women who face difficulties on the path to their dreams.
9. Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan) – a fighter for girls' right to education and a symbol of resilience
Malala Yousafzai is one of the most influential activists of our time, who has been fighting for girls' right to education since she was young. She was sentenced to death in absentia by terrorists who opposed her ideas, but that did not stop her fight.
After the attempt on her life and her long recovery, Malala continued her mission, founding the Malala Fund, which promotes educational programs for girls in countries with low access to education. In 2014, she became the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Her work inspires millions of women and girls around the world, proving that even one person's voice can change the fate of entire generations. Malala continues to actively advocate for human rights, proving that education is a powerful weapon in the fight against injustice.
10. Margaret Chan (China) – physician, first female head of WHO
Margaret Chan is a Chinese doctor who, while serving as the Minister for Health of Hong Kong, established a number of new services for disease prevention and health promotion, implemented new initiatives to improve infectious disease surveillance and response, and effectively combatted outbreaks of avian influenza.
In 2003, she began her work at WHO, on November 9, 2006, she was elected Director-General, and at the 65th session of the World Health Assembly in May 2012, she was elected Director-General of WHO for a second term, which ended in 2017. She developed primary health care and implemented strategies for the health of women and children.
Science and technology
11. Emmanuelle Charpentier (France) – the woman who changed science
Emmanuelle Charpentier is a microbiologist who made a real breakthrough in genetics. Her work on CRISPR-Cas9 technology allowed humanity to learn how to edit DNA with high precision, opening up prospects for treating hereditary diseases, fighting viruses, and even developing personalized medicine.
In 2020, she shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Jennifer Doudna, becoming one of the few women to achieve such recognition in the world of science.
Her discoveries are saving lives today and could change medicine and biotechnology forever tomorrow. Emmanuelle inspires women to pursue careers in science, proving that female leadership in the laboratory can change the fate of all humanity.
12. Katie Bowman (USA) – “mother of black holes” and Einstein in a skirt
Katie Bowman is an American computer scientist who made history in 2019.
It was she who developed the algorithm that allowed us to obtain the world's first real image of a black hole, thereby proving theories created by Albert Einstein.
As a young researcher, Bowman faced bias in the world of science, but her knowledge, hard work, and perseverance allowed her to contribute to one of the greatest scientific discoveries of the 21st century.
Today, Katie continues her research in computational photography, inspiring young women to pursue careers in science and change the world through technology.
Culture, art and show business
13. Meryl Streep (USA) – film legend and voice of women
Meryl Streep is not just an actress, but a living Hollywood legend. She holds the record for the most Oscar nominations (21 nominations!), but in addition to her outstanding talent, she is also known for her active civic position.
Streep supports the fight for women's rights in the film industry, criticizes discrimination and calls on Hollywood to change its outdated rules. She has proven that age in film is not a sentence, and women can remain in demand and influential even after fifty.
In addition to her acting career, Meryl is actively involved in charity work and donates significant amounts to various charitable projects, including supporting educational institutions and helping the homeless.
14. Angelina Jolie (USA) – an actress with a big heart
Angelina Jolie is not just a Hollywood star, but a person who has dedicated her life to protecting the most vulnerable. Her work as a UN Goodwill Ambassador has drawn attention to the problems of refugees, military conflicts and women's rights.
Over the years of her humanitarian work, she has visited more than 30 countries, personally meeting with victims of poverty, violence and war - including Ukraine. Jolie does not just provide one-time assistance - she finances educational and medical programs in developing countries, creates support funds and actively cooperates with international organizations.
Her personal story is also an example - from a Hollywood rebel to a mother of six children, three of whom were adopted from different parts of the world. Her life shows that fame can be used not only for career advancement, but also for real change in the world.
15. Taylor Swift (USA) – pop icon and voice of a generation
Taylor Swift is one of the most influential artists of our time. She began her career in her youth, but quickly became a global phenomenon, winning millions of hearts not only with her songs, but also with her sincerity, hard work and ability to be the voice of her generation.
She has repeatedly become the most listened to artist in the world, her albums sell in millions of copies, and each new song becomes an event.
But her influence extends beyond music. Taylor is an active advocate for women's rights in the entertainment industry, advocates for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and is involved in philanthropy, donating millions of dollars to educational and medical initiatives.
Her story is an example of how talent, determination, and loyalty to one's principles can make a person a true icon of modern times.
16. Madonna (USA) – Queen of Pop and Symbol of Independence
Madonna is more than just a singer, she is a cultural phenomenon who has changed the world of music, fashion and pop culture. Over a career spanning more than four decades, she has sold hundreds of millions of albums, becoming the most commercially successful female singer in history.
But her influence extends far beyond the stage. Madonna has become a symbol of female independence, provocation, and freedom of expression. She has broken stereotypes, raised issues of feminism, sexuality, and self-realization, inspiring millions of women around the world.
In addition, Madonna is actively involved in charity. She founded the Raising Malawi Foundation, which helps orphans in Africa, and also donates funds to fight epidemics, support education and human rights. Despite her age, she continues to tour successfully, creating new shows.
17. Fan Bingbing (China) – actress, philanthropist and one of the most influential women in Asia
Fan Bingbing is not just a star of Chinese cinema, but a symbol of female strength and independence in Asia. Her career spans dozens of successful films and international recognition, including participation in Hollywood projects.
However, her influence is not limited to the film industry. Fan Bingbing is actively involved in charity work - she supports educational programs, helps children with disabilities and initiates projects to protect the environment.
Despite scandals and pressure from the authorities, she was able to maintain her status and return to the industry, proving that strength of spirit and talent can overcome any challenges.
18. Priyanka Chopra (India) – actress, producer, activist and voice of women
Priyanka Chopra is one of India's most recognizable women, who has managed to transcend Bollywood and gain global fame. She is not only a successful actress and producer, but also an active fighter for women's rights.
As the winner of the Miss World 2000 pageant, Priyanka has used her fame to promote social causes. She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and works to support girls' education, combat domestic violence, and promote equal opportunities for women.
Priyanka also became one of the first actresses from India to successfully break into Hollywood, breaking barriers and stereotypes that Asian actresses could play leading roles in Western films.
Her story is an example of ambition, courage, and dedication to her ideals that inspire millions of girls around the world.
Literature and inspiration
19. Joanne Rowling (Great Britain) – creator of the wizarding world and philanthropist
J.K. Rowling is the author of the Harry Potter series of books, which have become not just a literary phenomenon, but a part of world culture. However, her path to success was not easy.
As a single mother living on welfare, she wrote her first novel on napkins in a cafe, struggling with depression and financial difficulties. Despite numerous rejections from publishers, she didn't give up - and eventually her books were translated into dozens of languages, and the franchise became one of the most successful in history.
Today, Rowling is actively involved in charity, donating millions to multiple sclerosis research, helping orphans and supporting single parents. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who faces difficulties but continues to believe in their dreams.
Sport
20. Olga Kharlan (Ukraine) – a symbol of courage and sportsmanship
Olga Kharlan is a Ukrainian fencer whose achievements on the world stage have made her a national heroine. Her determination and dedication to the sport inspire many young athletes. Kharlan is actively involved in charity projects, supporting children's sports and helping those in need.
Olga is known for her integrity and determination. In 2023, at the World Championships in Milan, she found herself in the spotlight after refusing to shake the hand of a Russian athlete, which led to her disqualification. However, the International Olympic Committee intervened, granting her direct qualification for the 2024 Olympics, where she won gold again in the team event, becoming the most decorated Ukrainian Olympic champion in history.
Her story inspires many with her resilience and integrity.
