Celebrating Women’s Triumphs: A Look Back at 2017’s Game-Changers

Celebrating Women’s Triumphs: A Look Back at 2017’s Game-Changers

Let’s shift our focus from the gloomy events of the past year and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women. These inspiring stories will remind you of the power and influence women have in shaping the world around us.

Natalie Hampton and the Sit With Us App

At just 17 years old, Natalie Hampton was friendless and dreaded lunchtime at school due to bullying. After changing schools, she decided to help others facing similar situations. She created the Sit With Us app, which helps students find lunch companions. Her innovative idea has garnered interest from over 100,000 people across eight different countries.

Katya Romanovskaya and the Safety Ring

Katya Romanovskaya, the founder of the Russian company Nimb, introduced a product designed as a ring that functions as a panic button. This discreet device allows the wearer to send distress signals to loved ones and the police. Katya’s personal experience with violence at the age of 16 inspired her to create this life-saving tool.

Irene Nkosi and HIV Pregnancy

Irene Nkosi discovered she was HIV-positive during her second pregnancy as a teenager. In South Africa, where over 5 million people live with HIV or AIDS, she faced cultural ostracism. However, she found support through mothers2mothers, a specialized group of doctors helping HIV-positive women prevent their children from contracting the virus.

Demi Lovato and Mental Health Advocacy

Demi Lovato has openly shared her struggles with bipolar disorder and eating disorders. Partnering with Global Citizen and Save the Children, she launched the “Healing and Education Through the Arts” campaign in Iraq for children affected by war. Demi’s candidness about her experiences has resonated with many fans who credit her with saving their lives.

Maria Shriver and the Fight Against Alzheimer’s

Maria Shriver’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2003, prompting her to dedicate her efforts to researching the disease and brain function. She founded the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, which focuses on understanding the risks and finding a cure for this devastating illness that disproportionately affects women.

Jessica Alba and Non-Toxic Products

Jessica Alba, who has a sensitive constitution, founded The Honest Company to provide non-toxic cosmetic products. Her company has grown into a billion-dollar empire, offering safe and gentle products for those with sensitive skin.

Karissa Bodnar and Charitable Cosmetics

Karissa Bodnar created a company producing vegan cosmetics that are not tested on animals. After losing a friend to cancer at a young age, she decided that for every product sold, one would be donated to women undergoing chemotherapy or recovering from domestic violence through her company, Thrive.

Patty Jenkins and the Success of Women in Film

Patty Jenkins directed “Wonder Woman,” which shattered box office records and proved that superhero films can be successful with a female director at the helm. Her achievement has paved the way for more women in the film industry.

Susan Fowler and Workplace Harassment

Susan Fowler’s detailed account of harassment and sexism at Uber sparked a viral outcry in February 2017. Her bravery led to an internal investigation and the termination of 20 employees, including the CEO, highlighting the importance of speaking out against workplace harassment.

Falon Fatemi and AI Search Engine

Falon Fatemi, the youngest employee at Google at 19, launched an AI-powered system to identify potential new clients. Her innovation has helped corporations generate over $100 million in revenue.

Priscilla Chan and Free Education

Priscilla Chan, along with her husband Mark Zuckerberg, manages a charitable organization that has launched several non-profit schools worldwide. She has also invested in various startups in engineering, science, and education.

Deena Mohammad and the Muslim Superheroine

At 22, Deena Mohammad created the comic “Qahera,” featuring a Muslim superheroine who wears a hijab, wields a sword, and can fly. Her mission is to help women facing sexual harassment. Deena’s work has gone viral, becoming a symbol of the fight against Islamophobia.

TV Shows “GLOW” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Cultural Shifts

In 2017, television shows like “GLOW” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” demonstrated the importance of women-centric stories. These shows have challenged the male-dominated culture and proven that women-led narratives can be both entertaining and impactful.

For more inspiring stories, visit Heroine.