ELLE Inspire 100

Emma Watson, Actress

'We want to empower women to do exactly what they want, to be true to themselves, to have the opportunities to develop. Women should feel free. There is no typical feminist, there is nothing anywhere that says you have to meet a certain [set of] criteria.'

Bonnie Wright, Actress

'As a director and actor I am equally inspired by both woman and men although I know that what I will bring to each project is inherently of female origin and flavour. I long to live in a world where our gender is just one feather to our bow and we are seen first for our individual personality and abilities.'

Bridget Christie, Comedian

'There are so many women that inspire me but at the moment I am in awe of Karen Ingala Smith. The incredible work she is doing on gender based violence - from recognizing victims through her Counting Dead Women campaign, to highlighting how the media manipulate language when reporting these crimes is powerful, brave, moving and, of course, completely necessary.'

Nicola Adams, Female boxing Olympic champion

'An empowered woman believes she is has the inner strength and her own ability to pursue her dreams, plays to her strengths, acknowledges her insecurities, overcomes her weaknesses and creates the opportunities to achieve any goal that will make her happy. An empowered woman is a woman on any part of this journey.'

Lyndsey Scott, Model, actress and app developer

'Advice I would give my 16-year-old self is people will judge you both positively and negatively throughout your life for all sorts of baseless reasons. Don't take it to heart. The world's a big place, life is ever-changing, and there's nothing inherently wrong with you.'

Sophia Amoruso, CEO and Creative Director of Nasty Gal

'What does a feminist look like? That’s the trick! Feminists look like you and me, like a women in 6” stilettos and a woman in mens clothing. Feminism is a way of thinking and being, not a way of dressing. You know a feminist by her gaze, not her neckline.'

Annie Lennox, Musician and activist

'It is important to inspire women to utilise the resources that they've got, and that's themselves. For me, feminism has to translate into empowerment for women around the globe. Of course I want to see equal pay for women doing the same kind of work as a man, but I'm particularly interested in how western women can help support women in countries that don't have the resources that we take for granted.'

Jinan Younis, Campaigner

'I am a feminist because I want a world free from harassment, abuse and sexual pressure. I want men to work with, rather than against, us.'

Anna Jones, CEO at Hearst Magazines

'Rather than thinking 'why me', try thinking 'why not me'?'

Caitlin Moran, Writer

'I feel empowered when I end the sentence ‘Women don't do that’ with ‘... yet.’ It's up to us to invent what women are, and do, and say, and dress, and think, and love, and earn, and change the world.'

Carlene Firmin, Founder of the MsUnderstood Partnership

'Both my mum and Maya Angelou inspire me for the same reasons: determination, self-belief, and an ability to communicate personal challenges in a way that has inspired me to create public and societal change.'

Coco Rocha, Model

'A strong, empowered, confident and ambitious woman is not threatened by other women. I'm a firm believer that a rising tide lifts all boats, so we should never try to hold other women down.'

Diane Von Furstenberg, Fashion designer

'I love the word feminism, it's beautiful. It means strength but it doesn't mean you can't be feminine.'

Read the full interview in the December issue.

Doreen Lawrence, Campaigner

'I would say that I am a quietly confident person. I am someone who likes to work behind the scenes, for example when I am encouraging the young people at the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust at their lowest point. It is satisfying when I see our students achieve against the odds.'

Deborah Persaud, Virologist

'Feminism is achieving your life’s mission irrespective of gender. My life’s path makes me feel empowered and confident.'

Fahma Mohamed, Activist

'What would I say to my 16-year-old self? You’re going on a journey that will be truly life changing, it will show you who you really are. It may seem overwhelming at times, but have faith, don’t panic and don’t worry! You will change in many ways - you will learn to trust yourself, be honest with yourself, and to stop worrying what other people think. Just have fun and enjoy the ride.'

Francesca Martinez, Comedian

'What makes me feel empowered is the knowledge that life is short and I’m so lucky to be here. It’s taken 4.5 billion years for me to exist so I’m going to do my best to appreciate every day.'

Jane Shepherdson, Chief Executive of Whistles

'Which woman inspires me? Hilary Clinton – she’s a very intelligent and articulate woman, who has succeeded in a man’s world whilst maintaining her empathy and dignity. I wouldn’t mess with her!'

Jenna Lyons, Creative Director of J. Crew

'Confidence, though, is something you learn. There will always be someone who's more intelligent, prettier or more successful than you and will intimidate you. Just finding a way to acknowledge that and decide: 'OK, what will this do to me; is it going to take me down?' No.'

Read the full interview in the December issue.

Tavi Gevinson, Blogger and Editor-in-Chief of Rookie Mag

'An empowered and confident woman is whatever that means to her. The song Wild Heart by Stevie Nicks makes me feel empowered and confident.'