There’s no shortage of fierce and fearless women in the
world today. But sometimes, it can feel like you’re alone in your desire to be
a strong woman. Here are three real life role models to inspire you on your
journey and remind you that you’re not alone…
Whitney Way
Thore
Whitney became a sensation when her YouTube videos, A Fat Girl Dancing, went viral. The resulting
media attention sparked Whitney to begin a movement called No
Body Shame and even landed her a TV show titled My Big Fat Fabulous Life.
In a world where plus-sized women are often body shamed,
Whitney is a fierce and fearless example of self-love and body positivity.
Though she’s dealt with a fair amount of trolls, Whitney continues to bravely
share her journey with the world, encouraging others to own who they are and
become comfortable in their skin.
She also wrote a book about her experiences titled I Do It with the Lights On. In the
book, she shares 10 life-lessons that enable her to live a shame-free life.
Malala
Yousafzai
Malala was a young girl living in Pakistan. Her father was a
teacher in charge of the village’s school. But everything changed in 2008 when
the Taliban came into power. Along with other strict rules, girls were no
longer allowed to attend school.
Although she was young, Malala felt the need to stand up for herself and other girls
that were being deprived of an education. But her outspokenness came at a
cost—she was shot in the head leaving school one day.
Miraculously, Malala recovered from her injuries and she
refused to let the violence stop her. She went on to begin the Malala
Fund with her father. The organization fights for the rights of girls
everywhere to get an education.
To learn more about Malala and her story, you can read her
riveting book, I Am Malala.
Michelle
Obama
As a former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama is so much more than
a political figure. She is known around the world as a woman who champions
women’s rights and stands up for the oppressed.
But she’s also humble and in touch with those she served.
During her time in the White House, she often referred to herself as
“Mom-in-Chief”.
Her notable accomplishments during her husband’s
presidential career included launching the “Let’s Move!” campaign to solve the
childhood obesity epidemic. Besides overhauling school lunches with healthy
alternatives, the program also gives free or deeply discounted meals to school
children living in poverty.
Michelle was influential in starting the “Joining Forces” initiative
to support U.S. troops and their families. This initiative sought to provide
education for loved ones of soldiers as well as new employment opportunities
for veterans.
In 2018, she published her memoir, Becoming, which went on to become a
best-seller. In the book, Michelle chronicles the journey of her life, from her
childhood and her career as a lawyer before diving into her time in the White
House.
