Michelle Obama, Katie Piper, and the revered late Dame Deborah James have emerged as the most empowering female role models of 2025. A survey conducted on 4,000 individuals placed these three women at the pinnacle of inspiration.
Other luminaries like the iconic singer Tina Turner, Olympic hero Dame Kelly Holmes, Greta Thunberg, and even the beloved fictional Bridget Jones have secured their spots in the top 20.
The compilation doesn’t stop there; it celebrates pioneering figures such as the poet and human rights advocate Maya Angelou, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, and the actress and philanthropist Emma Thompson.
The list also included the mathematical genius and television star Hannah Fry, and the legacy of the unforgettable U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg are also commemorated amongst these towering females.
The research was conducted by Galaxy as part of its partnership with the Young Women’s Trust, an organisation working to create a fairer financial future for women.
Romi Mackiewicz, director at Galaxy, explained: “We know role models play a critical role in helping lift people up and can positively impact confidence, career, and even health.”
Romi added, “Our research shows that women think it’s important to have a female role model and highlights the need to celebrate women who embrace a new definition of empowerment.”
The survey eveals that role models play a crucial role in encouraging individuals to make impactful changes in their lives, such as going for leadership positions, focusing on mental health, carving out time for themselves, or being vocal on issues they feel matter.
Furthmore it foudn that the most cherished qualities in a role model are honesty, kindness, and intelligence. Respondents were particularly moved by online content that presents an authentic glimpse of life, highlighting the good and the bad.
The workplace was seen as a key place to find role models, but there was a contrast between who was looking for any and who weren’t. According to the survey, 67% of adults over 45 are not actively looking for role models, with only 7% of Gen Z feeling the same.
Those do look for role models, often turn to family or friends, with 48% of older generations and 63% of Gen Z doing so. Yet Gen Z are more frequently drawing inspiration from influencers, television, and from celebrities.
A Galaxy spokesperson added: “Our top 20 list highlights women who have stayed true to themselves, standing up for what they believe in, even when faced with criticism. We champion women and are partnering with the Young Women’s Trust to help women and their communities thrive.
“We are excited to showcase such an incredibly diverse list of empowered women, celebrate their achievements and also remind Brits the importance and power of identifying a role model.”