Michelle Obama and Katie Piper Crowned UK’s Most Empowering Women for 2025
Michelle Obama, Katie Piper, and the late Dame Deborah James have topped a UK poll naming the most empowering female role models of 2025. The nationwide survey of 4,000 UK adults reveals the women inspiring confidence, change, and self-belief across generations.
Power Players in the Top 20
The poll, led by Galaxy Chocolate in partnership with the Young Women’s Trust, celebrates women who have made a massive impact. Alongside Obama, Piper, and Dame Deborah, the list features legends like Tina Turner, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, climate crusader Greta Thunberg, and even fictional icon Bridget Jones.
Diverse Trailblazers Inspire the Nation
Notable global figures such as Malala Yousafzai, Maya Angelou, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg also made the cut. UK favourites like actress and activist Emma Thompson and mathematician Dr Hannah Fry, famous for making data science accessible, are celebrated too.
The poll highlights the top traits people admire in role models:
- Honesty (32%)
- Kindness (30%)
- Intelligence (27%)
These qualities define what the public feels makes someone truly empowering.
Role Models Spark Real Change
A whopping 72% of women say having a female role model is key to their personal growth and confidence. Many say role models encourage them to invest time in themselves, chase leadership roles, or push for better mental health awareness.
“We know role models play a critical role in helping lift people up and can positively impact confidence, career and even health,” said Romi Mackiewicz, Director at Galaxy. “Our top 20 list celebrates women who have stayed true to themselves and empowered others by speaking up and standing strong, even when it wasn’t easy.”
Gen Z Breaks the Mold
While older generations turn to family and close friends (48%) for inspiration, Gen Z looks elsewhere. They name influencers (34%), TV personalities (28%), and celebrities (23%) as their biggest role models.
Digital authenticity ranks high too, with 29% inspired by genuine content about personal struggles and 15% drawn to unfiltered social media posts.
Galaxy & Young Women’s Trust: Backing Women’s Futures
Galaxy’s collaboration with the Young Women’s Trust aims to create a fairer financial future for women through support, mentorship, and empowerment across the UK.
“We’re proud to showcase this diverse list of empowered women,” added Mackiewicz. “It reminds us of the importance of role models and celebrates the powerful impact of women who stay true to their values.”
Top Empowering Female Role Models of 2025 (Partial List)
- Michelle Obama
- Katie Piper
- Dame Deborah James
- Tina Turner
- Greta Thunberg
- Maya Angelou
- Malala Yousafzai
- Dame Kelly Holmes
- Emma Thompson
- Dr Hannah Fry
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Bridget Jones (fictional)
