TIME Magazine has revealed its 2025 Women of the Year list, showcasing 13 extraordinary women whose contributions have made a significant impact across various fields.
Nicole Kidman
An acclaimed Australian actress, Kidman is celebrated for her consistent efforts to collaborate with female filmmakers. Through her recent project Babygirl, she partnered with an up-and-coming female director, championing women’s voices in the film industry. Throughout her decades-long career, Kidman has chosen roles that challenge societal expectations, highlighting complex female narratives and continuously pushing boundaries within the cinematic world.
A’ja Wilson
Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist, has become an influential figure in women’s basketball. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Wilson uses her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and racial equality. Her leadership was crucial in her team’s championship win, embodying resilience and commitment both on and off the court.
Jordan Chiles
An Olympic silver medalist in gymnastics, Chiles is known for her versatility and perseverance. After stepping in during a teammate’s unexpected withdrawal at the Tokyo Olympics, Chiles showcased exceptional performances under intense pressure. She continues to inspire young athletes, promoting mental health and self-belief in high-pressure environments.
Laufey
The Icelandic-Chinese musician is revitalizing jazz for a modern audience. Blending traditional jazz influences with contemporary sounds, Laufey has captured the attention of younger listeners. Her upcoming third album promises to continue bridging generational gaps, making jazz accessible and relevant for today’s audiences.
Olivia Munn
Actress and activist Olivia Munn has become a vocal advocate for breast cancer awareness after her mother’s diagnosis. Munn has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about early detection and the need for increased funding for research. Her efforts include public service announcements and partnerships with health organizations to ensure diverse communities are informed.
Raquel Willis
A key figure in the transgender rights movement, Willis advocates for marginalized communities through her writing and speaking engagements. As an activist, she has highlighted the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality, pushing for more inclusive policies and greater societal acceptance of transgender people.
Gisèle Pelicot
French activist Pelicot rose to prominence for confronting her assailant in a high-profile sexual assault case. Her brave act challenged societal views on victimhood and ignited a national conversation about consent and justice. Pelicot continues to work for the rights of survivors, pushing for reforms in the legal treatment of sexual violence.
Anna Sawai
Sawai, a Japanese-New Zealand actress and singer, is making waves in international cinema. Her roles in major films and TV series bring diverse narratives to the forefront, challenging traditional casting practices. Sawai’s work exemplifies her commitment to representation and to telling stories that resonate with global audiences.
Purnima Devi Barman
Barman, an Indian conservationist, is leading the charge to protect the endangered greater adjutant stork. By empowering local communities—particularly women—she has transformed the bird’s perception from a bad omen to a symbol of pride. Through the “Hargila Army,” a group of rural women, Barman has spearheaded habitat restoration efforts and raised awareness about the importance of conservation.
Amanda Zurawski
Zurawski is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging Texas’s restrictive abortion laws, after her personal experience with inadequate medical care during a miscarriage. Her advocacy for reproductive rights seeks to prevent similar injustices for others, highlighting the dangers posed by such legislation to women’s health.
Fatou Baldeh
A survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) from The Gambia, Baldeh has transformed her traumatic experience into activism. She founded organizations that support FGM survivors and tirelessly campaigns for the eradication of the practice. Baldeh’s work focuses on education and community engagement, aiming to foster societal change.
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot
As the CEO of Feeding America, Babineaux-Fontenot has overseen the expansion of one of the nation’s largest hunger-relief organizations. She has strategically addressed food insecurity exacerbated by the pandemic, focusing on equitable food distribution and tackling the root causes of hunger.
Laura Modi
Modi, co-founder and CEO of Bobbie, is revolutionizing the infant formula industry. Motivated by her own challenges in finding reliable formula options, she launched Bobbie to provide organic, high-quality alternatives for parents. Modi’s advocacy for parental choice and destigmatizing formula feeding ensures that infants receive the best nutrition possible.
These remarkable women represent leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a more just and equitable place.