In the 29 years that we’ve celebrated Women of the Year, our honorees have broken glass ceilings, shattered records, and redefined success on their own terms. This year we welcome eight new women into this sisterhood who, like the honorees before them, are using their chosen profession and inimitable spirit to push our culture forward.
Like soccer player Megan Rapinoe, who not only helped pave the U.S. Women’s National Team’s path to World Cup glory—scoring six goals during the competition—but led a tireless fight for equal pay. In March 2019—on International Women’s Day—Rapinoe and the rest of the team sued their bosses for gender discrimination. Flash forward to their epic win this summer, when the stadium started chanting “Equal pay! Equal pay!” as they took their victory lap. Or teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who made a two-week voyage to the United States on a sailboat—and stood up to world leaders everywhere, challenging them to take action on climate change. As well as actors like Charlize Theron and Yara Shahidi, who, while at different points in their careers, refuse to play it safe either on screen or in their individual crusades.
We couldn’t be prouder to introduce you to Glamour’s 2019 Women of the Year. They are a diverse group, including an author, director, actors, and activists fighting to make a lasting difference. But despite their different fields, our honorees have one thing in common: They’re warriors on the frontlines of change.
Below, read about the remarkable women who comprise Glamour’s 2019 Women of the Year, and head here to buy your tickets for our annual summit and awards ceremony celebrating these women in New York City on November 10 and 11.
Charlize Theron, The Rebel
For 25 years, the Oscar-winning superstar has refused to conform to anyone’s expectations of who she should be. And therein lies the secret to her singular success.
Greta Thunberg, The Revolutionary
16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg is on a mission to save the planet—but she can’t do it alone.
Ava DuVernay, The Trailblazer
As famous as any of the stars she casts, the filmmaker is using her spotlight to fight injustice.
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Megan Rapinoe, The Champion
The World Cup star and equal-pay hero doesn’t care what the world thinks of her (or her controversial pose). She’s the unapologetic pink-haired icon we’ve needed in 2019.
Yara Shahidi, The New Voice
She can’t even legally order a beer, but the Grown-ish star has already cemented her status as a voice of her generation.
Margaret Atwood, The Oracle
Our 2019 Lifetime Achievement winner’s terrifying literary predictions are truer than ever, but so is her faith in women.
Tory Burch, The Visionary
For 15 years she has quietly, carefully ruled American fashion. Now the woman behind the unbreakable brand has designs for global domination.
The Women of RAICES, The Guardians
Long before the crisis at the border made headlines, a group of activists took a stand for its victims.
Come back each day this week to read profiles of the 2019 Glamour Women of the Year honorees and get your tickets to the three-day event here.