Time magazine has named its annual Women of the Year, recognising those working to uplift women’s rights and create a more equitable world.
There are three worldwide covers of the issue featuring three of the recognised women: actor and producer Nicole Kidman, WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, with each name accompanied by in-depth interviews.
“The 2025 TIME Women of the Year exemplify visionary leadership, inspiring global change through their unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all,” said TIME Chief Executive Officer Jessica Sibley.
Women and girls around the world are facing significant challenges, with TIME Editorial Director Lucy Feldman saying the names on the list are addressing issues “from gender-based violence and attacks on women’s rights to the dangers of a volatile climate”.
“But everywhere those threats can be found, so too can leaders pushing for change.”
Who is on the list?
Among the list of 13 women, Australian actor and producer Nicole Kidman is being recognised for her work shifting the balance of power in Hollywood. TIME notes that in 2017, Kidman vowed to work with at least one female director every 18 months, and in the eight years since, has produced or acted with 19 across film and TV.
Also featured in the magazine is Gisèle Pelicot, the heroic woman praised for being a voice for sexual assault survivors across the world. Last year, the 72-year-old French woman, found herself at the center of a horrific rape trial, in which her husband was ultimately found guilty of drugging her and inviting more than 70 men to have sex with her without her knowledge. Pelicot’s choice to waive her legal right to anonymity helped “shame change sides”, placing the scrutiny on the abusers rather than the victim.
Reproductive rights activist Amanda Zurawski is also featured for her prominent work in the US. Following the reversal of Roe v. Wade, Zurawkski experienced complications with her pregnancy, miscarried and required an abortion, but because of the near-total abortion ban in her state of Texas, was unable to receive treatment. This left her with permanently damaged reproductive organs, and she decided to sue the state in 2023, only for the Texas Supreme Court to uphold the ban last May. Continuing to fight for abortion rights, Zurawski said: “It’s not in my nature to give up.”
Other names featured in TIME’s list of 13 women include: artist Laufey, actor Anna Sawai, Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, Gambian women’s rights activist Fatou Baldeh, activist and author Raquel Willis, actor and breast cancer awareness advocate Olivia Munn, co-founder and CEO of Bobbie Laura Modi and conservationist Purnima Devi Barman.