Benazir Bhutto and Malala Yousafzai, two Pakistani women who have made history in their fields, have been featured in a list of ‘most influential women’ by a French magazine. The list, published by Marie Claire in March, includes 60 women who have changed the world with their achievements and activism.
This list celebrates women from different backgrounds, professions, and eras, who have contributed to the advancement of human rights, education, science, arts, and politics. The list also highlights the challenges and struggles that these women faced and overcame in their journeys.
Benazir Bhutto, the former prime minister of Pakistan, was the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority country. She was also the first woman to give birth while in office. She inherited the leadership of the Pakistan People’s Party after her father’s government was overthrown by a military coup. Also, she pushed for open elections and democracy, and won twice, despite facing opposition and threats.
Malala Yousafzai, a human rights activist, was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Malala survived a gunshot wound to the face by the Taliban, who targeted her for speaking out for girls’ education. She has since become a global spokesperson for education, women’s rights, and peace. She has also founded the Malala Fund, a charity that supports girls’ education around the world.
The list in Marie Claire features some of the world’s most phenomenal women, who have inspired and empowered millions of people with their work and vision. Some of the women mentioned in the list are Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Gloria Steinem, Jane Austen, Maya Angelou, Queen Elizabeth II, and Indira Gandhi.