Emma Watson, Victoria Beckham, Zoella Top Inspirational Women Poll
Six names make Grazia Magazine's list
Emma Watson, Victoria Beckham and Zoella have been voted among the most inspirational women of the past decade.
To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Grazia Magazine polled 1250 readers to find the most influential women in six different categories – Fashion, Culture, Entertainment, Politics and Technology. Each shortlist was suggested by Grazia staff.
In fashion, pop star turned designer Victoria Beckham triumphed ahead of fellow style icons Stella McCartney, Kate Moss, Mary Portas and Royal Wedding dress designer Sarah Burton.
Grazia editor-in-chief Jane Bruton commented: “Ten years ago, we knew Victoria as a Spice Girl and one half of an A-list power couple.
“She made no secret of her love for fashion, but was known for wearing, not creating it. The thought of Victoria as a credible fashion designer seemed outlandish but boy did we underestimate her!
“Through sheer hard graft and business clout, VB has become a great fashion designer.”
Brushing the likes of Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé aside, the brilliant Emma Watson topped the entertainment shortlist thanks to her continued high-profile movie roles and gender equality campaigning with HeForShe.
In the Technology shortlist, self-made millionaire and vlogger Zoe Sugg – aka Zoella – came out on top just months after she published her record breaking debit novel Girl Online.
Over in the culture category, American author, director and screenwriter Lena Dunham received the most votes ahead of stiff competition from Oprah Winfrey, Hilary Mantel, JK Rowling and Katherine Bigelow.
Over in the sphere of politics, 17-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai deservedly came in first place four months after becoming the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Fearlessly campaigning for girls’ rights since the age of 11, Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban in October 2012 and was flown to the UK for surgery. Since recovering she returned to school in Birmingham and resumed her activism.
Completing the influential list in the athletics shortlist is Olympic gold metallist Jessica Ennis-Hill who stormed to victory in Grazia’s poll ahead of Clare Balding.
The most influential women of the decade, according to Grazia readers, are as follows:
Fashion: Victoria Beckham Culture: Lena Dunham Entertainment: Emma Watson Politics: Malala Yousafzai Sport: Jessica Ennis Hill Technology: Zoe Sugg (Zoella)