Womxn's Month: 8 Leading Ladies of 2020

To celebrate and wrap up Women’s History Month, here are eight incredibly inspirational and strong women making history in 2020 so far.

Demi Lovato

A powerhouse performer and activist of all things empowering, Demi Lovato is having a comeback year. Recovering from her overdose in 2019, the “I Love Me” singer is back and stronger than ever. Lovato performed for the first time since her overdose at the 2020 Grammy Awards, where she debuted her vulnerable and heart-wrenching single, “Anyone.” She followed this up by performing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl LIV. During this reignited fire, Lovato has spoken about her previous drug and alcohol addictions, her troubles with body image and mental health, and her ongoing fight for a brighter day. She serves as an inspiration to those even transcending her fanbase. While unconfirmed, it is speculated that the singer will release her new album in 2020.

Greta Thunberg

This list could not go on without a celebration of Swedish environmental activist, Greta Thunberg. At 17-years-old, Thunberg’s bravery, knowledge, and global reach has been a substantial contribution to combatting the climate crisis. Named TIME’s Person of the Year in 2019, Thunberg is continuing her mission to wake people up to the detrimental environmental effects we enable. It’s apparent that it took the teachings of a teenager to make a worldwide impact. Her climate strikes, and specifically her student strikes for climate, have sparked a movement that aims to bring a brighter, healthier, and longer future for the next generations. As of now, Thunberg is concerned that she may have had Covid-19. She is on bedrest, and we’re all hoping for Thunberg’s quick recovery and health.

Meghan Markle

Sources: Insider & Vanity Fair

Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has recently been in the spotlight because her and her husband, Prince Harry, decided to step down from their formal roles and responsibilities within the Royal Family. A new mother and the center of press coverage and critique, Markle is leading her life with class, speaking up when necessary, and ignoring media trolls when trivial. Markle’s fashion sense is also especially notable. In her final royal tour, she stunned in “revenge” all-over bright blue, red, and emerald green ensembles. And, in a new turn of events, Markle is making a return to her acting career. The duchess narrates the new Disney Plus and Disney Nature documentary “Elephant,” which will give back to Elephants Without Borders—set to stream on April 3rd.

Zaya Wade

Coming out as transgender to her parents, Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union, at 12-years-old, Zaya Wade is the youngest on this list, but still one of the strongest. Sharing an overwhelming message of self-love and self-acceptance, Wade and her parents are promoting a healthy and accepting dynamic within the LGBTQ+ community and to children who may struggle with their identity. Wade attended the 2020 Truth Awards, which honors contributing black individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, showing off her newfound stardom on the Red Carpet and in interviews with the press. The activist shared the importance of “knowing who you are truly and being able to show other people who you are.” She is undoubtedly an amazing addition to the faces teaching, inspiring, and uniting LGBTQ+ members and allies.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda may be best known for her acting roles and 80s’ home workout videos. But one of Fonda’s most significant contributions is her role as a political activist. Beginning in the 1970s, Fonda opposed the Vietnam War, followed by adamantly fighting for women’s rights, and now at 82-years-old, is pouring her energy into the climate crisis. In the final months of 2019, Fonda’s “Fire Drill Fridays” consisted of the activist holding rallies in Washington, D.C. and prompted her to be arrested five times. Working with Greenpeace USA, she is continuing her Friday movements, moving online due to the new quarantine conditions. Fonda is in the middle of filming the seventh and final season of Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie.”

Billie Eilish

A Grammy, another Grammy, and yet another Grammy. At the 2020 Grammy Awards, Billie Eilish was nominated in six categories and walked away with five wins. Overwhelmed and seemingly embarrassed, the 18-year-old broke the record for being the youngest artist to win Album of the Year. Breaking another record, Eilish is now the youngest artist to have created a James Bond franchise theme song. Still a teenager, the singer has consciously opted for a baggy wardrobe, hiding her figure from body-shamers or leering eyes. But in a bold move, at a recent Eilish concert, fans watched a video of the singer stripping off a baggy sweatshirt in protest and proof of her self-empowerment. She is continuing with her inspirational no-nonsense attitude.

Issa Rae

If you don’t know her name already, here’s your chance to become a fan. Now, quite famously, after reading off the 2020 Oscar’s nominees for Best Director on live television, Rae unamusingly said, “Congratulations to all those men.” Her meme-worthy response sparked an internet frenzy of fans frustrated with the lack of female director representation. Keeping busy as an actress, writer, and producer, Rae is also the enthusiastic founder of the record label The Raedio. Rae’s 2020 projects include her movies The Photograph and The Lovebirds, which normalize black relationships on the big screen and celebrates interracial relationships. Season 4 of the HBO “Insecure” series is debuting in April, and her co-produced show, “A Black Lady Sketch Show” has been renewed.

Jennifer Garner

The 13 Going on 30 star is one of the celebrities at the forefront of the coronavirus pandemic. Actress, activist, and entrepreneur Jennifer Garner is teaming up with Save The Children and No Kid Hungry, using her Instagram platform and celebrity friends to spark a change. Garner started the Instagram account @savewithstories, where celebrities read children’s books (perfect to be watched by children now outside of their school environment), and followers can donate to the previously mentioned organizations. Readers have included the likes of other boss ladies like Reese Witherspoon, Kamala Harris, Lupita Nyong’o, and Hillary Duff. As a theater buff (and saxophone player), Garner also started the hashtag #heyJenlookatme, encouraging performers whose productions have been cancelled to share their talents with her. The show must go on.