The BBC has revealed its 2024 list of 100 inspiring and influential women, shining a spotlight on those who, amid global challenges, continue to push for meaningful change. From regions marked by deadly conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, and Sudan, to countries grappling with intense societal polarization post-elections, women worldwide have exhibited extraordinary resilience. This year's selection underscores their vital role in driving transformation, even as the world shifts around them.

The 2024 list also focuses on those responding to the climate crisis, highlighting pioneers who work at the forefront of environmental action, helping their communities navigate the impacts of a changing planet.

Among the honorees, 12 women from the global entertainment industry stand out, proving the power of culture and the arts in amplifying the voices of the marginalized, inspiring social change, and challenging stereotypes.

Women in the Spotlight:

Elaha Soroor, Afghanistan (Singer and Composer)

Amid a wave of suppression against women in Afghanistan, Elaha Soroor's song "Naan, Kar, Azadi!" (Bread, Work, Freedom!) emerged as a beacon of hope. Premiered in October at the All Afghan Women Summit, Soroor's anthem encourages resistance against erasure. Despite facing a violent backlash early in her career, Soroor has remained a steadfast advocate for women's rights, using her platform to amplify their struggles.

Hadiqa Kiani, Pakistan (Singer and Songwriter)

Known as one of Pakistan's most iconic voices, Hadiqa Kiani combines musical talent with humanitarian advocacy. After the devastating 2022 floods in Pakistan, she launched the Vaseela-e-Raah project, aiding displaced families and reconstructing hundreds of homes in affected regions. Her commitment to both music and social work has made her a towering figure in South Asia's cultural and humanitarian landscape.

Inna Modja, Mali (Artist and Climate Advocate)

Inna Modja has spent her career fighting for climate justice and against female genital mutilation. Her film The Great Green Wall underscores Africa's ambitious environmental efforts in the Sahel region. As a co-founder of Code Green, a non-profit leveraging tech and gaming for climate action, Modja is a voice for communities hit hardest by environmental degradation.

Naomi Watanabe, Japan (Comedian)

Breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of Japanese comedy, Naomi Watanabe has spearheaded the pochakawaii movement, translating to "chubby and cute," to challenge harmful body stereotypes in Japan. Watanabe's success on the global stage continues to inspire a generation of women comedians and advocates for body positivity.

Raye, UK (Singer)

A powerful voice in the British music scene, Raye made history at the 2024 Brit Awards, winning six out of seven nominations. Her candid discussions about the struggles of sexual assault, drug abuse, and body dysmorphia—alongside her call for fairer pay for songwriters—highlight the challenges women face in the music industry, as she continues to inspire both fans and peers.

Firda Marsya Kurnia, Indonesia (Heavy Metal Musician)

As the lead vocalist of Voice of Baceprot, an all-female hijab-wearing heavy metal band, Firda Marsya Kurnia challenges gender norms and religious conservatism in Indonesia. The band's groundbreaking performance at Glastonbury this year marked a major achievement for Southeast Asian women in music.

Sharon Stone, US (Actress)

Hollywood star Sharon Stone's career has spanned over three decades, with notable performances in films like Basic Instinct and Casino. But beyond acting, Stone's advocacy work has left a lasting impact, particularly in supporting people living with HIV. Earlier this year, she was awarded the inaugural Golden Globe International Icon Award for her contributions to cinema and humanitarian causes.

Gaby Moreno, Guatemala (Latin-pop Musician)

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno has become a major voice in the Latin music scene. As Unicef's first goodwill ambassador from Guatemala, she champions children's rights, working to improve access to education in her home country, where millions of children remain outside the school system.

Chloé Zhao, UK (Film Director)

Chloé Zhao, best known for her Oscar-winning film Nomadland, continues to break new ground in Hollywood. As the first woman of colour to win an Academy Award for best director, Zhao's work amplifies the voices of marginalized communities. This year, she's focused on her latest project, an adaptation of "Hamnet", due for release in 2025.

Noella Wiyaala Nwadei, Ghana (Afro-pop Musician)

Wiyaala, known for her unique fashion and powerful Afro-pop sound, uses her platform to combat child marriage and highlight African women's struggles. As a fashion designer and musician, she combines artistry with activism, promoting employment and creativity in northern Ghana.

Madison Tevlin, Canada (Talk-show Host and Model)

Madison Tevlin, a talk-show host and model with Down syndrome, shattered stereotypes with her viral campaign Assume That I Can. Garnering over 150 million views, Tevlin has become a global advocate for inclusion and has spoken at major platforms such as the Clinton Global Initiative.

Hend Sabry, Tunisia (Actress)

As one of the most prominent actresses in Arab cinema, Hend Sabry has consistently used her roles to challenge societal norms. This year, she starred in Four Daughters, Tunisia's Oscar entry, while also resigning as a UN goodwill ambassador in protest against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The theme of this year's BBC 100 Women list is resilience—acknowledging the toll of 2024's crises on women across the globe and celebrating those who have risen to meet these challenges head-on. From climate pioneers to cultural icons, the honorees represent diverse fields and geographies, united by their commitment to making a difference in their communities and beyond.

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