The women who ruled the world in 2020 also ruled our hearts. They were just like us at one time, except, they believed in the power of me … can you do it too?
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
Women are a catalyst in any society who contributes to its growth and leads to its rapid development; socially, economically and politically. Here at FUCHSIA we pay tribute to all those women who, in these challenging times have not only worked hard for their own success but also paid back to society – Our list of 7 women who made us proud in the year 2020.
1. Jacinda Ardern
Jacinda Ardern is certainly the Iron Lady of this time. She is the second woman to give birth to a child while continuing her term as Prime Minister (the first being Benazir Bhutto – yes a proud moment for all Pakistanis!). She won general elections the second time round in 2020, with approval ratings of 55%. She has tackled the COVID-19 outbreak in the best possible manner and her leadership has received global applause as exemplary for other nations in the world. Till date, there have only been 25 deaths reported due to COVID-19 in New Zealand. The Prime Minister keeps in touch with her nation through regular video messages – keeping their spirits high in testing Covid times.
Oh, and a bonus, she also broke into a victory dance when her country was announced free of the virus!
2. Meghan Markle
Since her engagement was announced to Prince Harry, the Suits actress found herself perpetually under the radar of British press. Her views were more often than not challenged and her every action was questioned. Despite all this, she emerged stronger than ever. The couple started their new life in Los Angeles with baby Archie and launched a new charitable organization named Archewell. Apart from these very exciting beginnings, Meghan volunteered with her husband to deliver meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, she released a video and message on her website for Smart Works patronage – a London charity organization to applaud them for their work during the tough times.
With all the criticism directed at her for defying norms, leaving the Royal family, giving up her title and going it alone, she also suffered from a miscarriage that she spoke about publicly in order to give strength to other women who might have undergone the same in any other part of the world. She has certainly taught all women around the globe to hold their ground and emerge stronger – an inspiration for young women all over the world – nothing is impossible.
3. Mahira Khan
If anyone would say that Mahira Khan is the face of the Pakistani film industry they would not be wrong. She is one of the top actresses of Pakistan, having received both national and international recognition for her work. She has starred as main lead in many Pakistani films including Saat Din Mohabbat In, Bol, Ho Mann Jahan, Superstar and Legend of Maula Jatt which is Pakistan’s most expensive film till date. Khan has worked passionately to raise awareness about breast cancer, mental health issues, and has used her voice to speak about women’s rights. She uses her social media presence to encourage people to isolate and use masks when in public. Mahira has won two Lux style awards in the year 2020 for her role in the movie Superstar.
Mahira Khan is also National Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency – she has time and again reiterated that influencers must use their power to do give back to society – she is recognized the world over as the face of Pakistan, and we can’t be more proud!
Mahira Khan has been mentioned in the Forbes list of ‘Asia-Pacific’s Most Influential Celebrities on Social Media’ and was also featured on BBC’s list of ‘100 Inspiring and Influential Women of 2020’.
4. Kamala Haris
Kamala Haris is certainly a woman of steel. She has continued to defy all norms to make a place for herself. She has served as the junior United States senator from California since 2017. She made history by being the first Black woman and first Indian American to be nominated for Vice President by a major political party during the elections in 2020. She was mentioned in the Times list of the ‘100 Most Influential People of 2020’ and also on the Forbes list of ‘The world’s 100 Most Powerful Women of 2020’.
“While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.”
Kamala Haris , victory speech- Wilmington, Delaware
5. Nimra Bucha
Nimra Bucha started her career from Traverse Theater in 2006. Since, then she has been unstoppable. She has been part of many hit Pakistani television series including Daam and Mera Yaqeen. Apart from that she played the role of Batool Jan in Zee5 webseries, Churails which was released in 2020. The talented actress has made the whole nation proud and when it was announced on December 11th. that she’ll be appearing in Ms Marvel which is an upcoming series for Disney+, we feel utmost pride.
Although her role is yet to be disclosed, we can’t wait for the big reveal – she’s paving the way for many more to follow in her footsteps.
6. Melinda Gates
Melendia Gates is the co founder of Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, along with her husband Bill Gates. It is the world’s largest private charitable foundation, with a trust endowment of $49.8 billion. Melinda and her husband want to ensure that vaccines are distributed globally especially in low-income countries. For this, the foundation has committed $70 million to contribute to the research and development of the vaccines.
“Covid-19 anywhere is Covid-19 everywhere,” “That is why we have to ensure that everyone gets equal access to tests, drugs and vaccines when they are available—no matter where you live in the world.”
Melinda Gates – Paris Peace Forum.
7. Sajal Ali
Sajal Ali is one of the most celebrated actresses of Pakistan. She is known for her roles in dramas like Aangan, Ye Dil Mera, Yakeen Ka Safar, O Rangreza and for her role in the movie, Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai. She has also worked in India with the legendary Sridevi in the movie Mom. She has nearly 7 million followers on Instagram and holds a huge fan base. She won the award for Most Popular Actress at HUM Social Media Awards 2020 besides also winning the award for Most Popular On screen and Off screen couple along with Ahad Raza Mir. In addition, she also made Pakistan proud by winning International Icon Award at DIAFA for her contribution to film and Industry. She shared her achievement with her fans on social media.
Sajal has many accolades to her name and conducts herself with the utmost dignity on national and international forums – proud to have her as our shining star – shine on Sajal, for the world is watching!
