The following six women are some of the most celebrated, powerful and inspirational women around. But women and men everywhere–in every country and in all walks of life–can and do make a difference every day because every person can do one thing, big or small, to change the world around them. Check out these pins, learn about these women, and be inspired to take action yourself, to do just one thing to empower women, whether they’re in your neighborhood or on the other side of the world. You can make the difference.

President Joyce Banda, the first female president of Malawi, is working to improve life for Malawians.

The former (and first female) prez of Ireland, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson.

Queen Noor of Jordan is an outspoken voice on issues of world peace and justice.

 

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist and the leader of a women’s peace movement that helped end 2003′s Liberian Civil War.

Along with her diplomatic work, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is a strong proponent of women’s empowerment around the world.

Born into extreme poverty, Somaly Mam is a dedicated activist for the protection of women and girls, and an end to sex trafficking in Cambodia.

Who inspires you? Add a powerful women, or man, to the list in the comments below!