Muriel Baum

Written by Muriel Baum

Published: 18 Nov 2025

30-facts-about-glamour-magazine-woman-of-the-year
Source: Glamourmagazine.co.uk

Who is the Glamour Magazine Woman of the Year? Every year, Glamour Magazine honors extraordinary women who have made significant impacts in various fields. These women come from diverse backgrounds, including entertainment, politics, sports, and activism. The award celebrates their achievements, resilience, and contributions to society. Past recipients include influential figures like Malala Yousafzai, Serena Williams, and Lupita Nyong'o. This recognition not only highlights their accomplishments but also inspires others to strive for greatness. Glamour Magazine Woman of the Year stands as a testament to the power and influence women hold in shaping our world. Let's dive into 30 fascinating facts about these remarkable honorees.

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Glamour Magazine Woman of the Year: A Legacy of Empowerment

Glamour Magazine's Woman of the Year awards celebrate extraordinary women who have made significant impacts in various fields. From entertainment to activism, these women inspire millions. Here are some fascinating facts about the award and its recipients.

  1. The award began in 1990. Glamour Magazine started the Woman of the Year awards to honor women making a difference in the world.

  2. Oprah Winfrey was one of the first recipients. In 1994, Oprah was recognized for her contributions to media and philanthropy.

  3. The awards cover diverse fields. Honorees come from various sectors, including politics, entertainment, sports, and activism.

  4. Michelle Obama has been honored twice. The former First Lady received the award in 2009 and 2016 for her work in public service and education.

  5. Malala Yousafzai was the youngest recipient. At 16, Malala was honored in 2013 for her activism in girls' education.

Celebrating Trailblazers and Innovators

The awards highlight women who break barriers and set new standards in their respective fields. These honorees often use their platforms to advocate for important causes.

  1. Ruth Bader Ginsburg received the award in 2012. The late Supreme Court Justice was celebrated for her lifelong fight for gender equality.

  2. Serena Williams was honored in 2009. The tennis superstar was recognized for her achievements in sports and her advocacy for equal pay.

  3. Ava DuVernay received the award in 2017. The filmmaker was celebrated for her groundbreaking work in Hollywood and her commitment to diversity.

  4. Emma Watson was honored in 2015. The actress and activist received the award for her work with the UN's HeForShe campaign.

  5. Hillary Clinton received the award in 1992. Before becoming First Lady, Clinton was recognized for her work in children's advocacy.

Honoring Courage and Resilience

Many recipients have shown immense courage in the face of adversity. Their stories inspire others to overcome challenges and fight for justice.

  1. Gabby Giffords was honored in 2011. The former congresswoman received the award after surviving an assassination attempt and advocating for gun control.

  2. Aung San Suu Kyi received the award in 2006. The Burmese political leader was honored for her nonviolent struggle for democracy and human rights.

  3. Tarana Burke was honored in 2017. The founder of the #MeToo movement was recognized for her work in supporting survivors of sexual violence.

  4. Ashley Judd received the award in 2017. The actress and activist was honored for her role in the #MeToo movement and her advocacy for women's rights.

  5. Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi were honored in 2013. The founders of the Black Lives Matter movement were recognized for their fight against racial injustice.

Celebrating Global Impact

The awards also recognize women making a difference on a global scale. These honorees often work to improve conditions in their communities and beyond.

  1. Queen Rania of Jordan was honored in 2010. The queen was recognized for her advocacy in education, health, and women's rights.

  2. Leymah Gbowee received the award in 2011. The Liberian peace activist was honored for her role in ending the Second Liberian Civil War.

  3. Greta Thunberg was honored in 2019. The young climate activist was recognized for her efforts to combat climate change.

  4. Nadia Murad received the award in 2016. The Yazidi human rights activist was honored for her work in raising awareness about human trafficking.

  5. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was honored in 2014. The Nigerian author was recognized for her contributions to literature and her advocacy for gender equality.

Celebrating Creativity and Influence

Women in the arts and media have also been celebrated for their creativity and influence. These honorees often use their platforms to inspire and educate.

  1. Beyoncé was honored in 2009. The singer and entrepreneur was recognized for her contributions to music and her philanthropic efforts.

  2. Lupita Nyong'o received the award in 2014. The actress was celebrated for her breakout role in "12 Years a Slave" and her advocacy for diversity in Hollywood.

  3. Mindy Kaling was honored in 2014. The actress, writer, and producer was recognized for her work in television and her efforts to promote diversity.

  4. Shonda Rhimes received the award in 2015. The television producer was honored for her groundbreaking work in creating diverse and inclusive TV shows.

  5. Lady Gaga was honored in 2013. The singer and actress was recognized for her contributions to music and her advocacy for mental health.

Celebrating Young Leaders

Young women making significant impacts are also celebrated. These honorees often bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to global challenges.

  1. Zendaya was honored in 2020. The actress and singer was recognized for her work in entertainment and her advocacy for social justice.

  2. Yara Shahidi received the award in 2017. The actress and activist was honored for her work in promoting education and social justice.

  3. Millie Bobby Brown was honored in 2018. The young actress was recognized for her role in "Stranger Things" and her advocacy for anti-bullying.

  4. Amanda Gorman received the award in 2021. The poet and activist was honored for her powerful inauguration poem and her advocacy for social change.

  5. Billie Eilish was honored in 2019. The singer was recognized for her contributions to music and her advocacy for mental health awareness.

Celebrating Remarkable Women

Glamour Magazine's Woman of the Year awards spotlight incredible women who've made a significant impact. These honorees come from diverse backgrounds, including entertainment, politics, sports, and activism. Each year, the awards remind us of the power of determination, resilience, and innovation.

From trailblazers like Malala Yousafzai to icons like Serena Williams, these women inspire countless others to pursue their dreams and make a difference. Their stories are a testament to the strength and potential within all of us.

By celebrating these achievements, Glamour Magazine not only honors individual accomplishments but also encourages a broader conversation about gender equality and empowerment. So, next time you see the list of honorees, remember the incredible journeys behind those names. They’re not just award recipients; they’re role models shaping a better future for everyone.

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