Role models come in all shapes and forms, and are looked up to because of their inspiration, achievement, motivation, and more. Role models like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi are known to most, but there are many more out there that need to be recognised.

Sylvia Plath

She may be unknown to many, but Plath was an author that was bold enough to put her thoughts on paper, for the whole world to regard. Her semi-autobiography The Bell Jar, acknowledged and discussed mental illness, something that was controversial and not spoken about in those days. She opened the discussion on different types of mental illnesses, and showed how sharing thoughts and information with the world can change mindset.

Margaret Canvendish

This historical role model is more well known as a duchess, but published her work as an author and scientist under her own name. A duchess was supposed to focus solely on her royal duties, but Cavendish was too brilliant to disregard her interest and talent in natural sciences. She is regarded as the mother of science fiction, creating the first Utopian sci-fi novel The Blazing World.

Helen Keller

Keller was blind and deaf since the age of 2, and although she had disabilities, she travelled the world with one message to share, the world may be full of suffering but it is also full of overcoming'. People make their problems seem like they are the end of the world, closing off their minds to other people who have it much worse but are motivated to overcome them.

Zendaya Coleman

A millennial today, Zendaya is the ultimate activist, with her social media influence and her confidence in speaking her mind, the actress is able to pulse social change. At the 2015 Oscars she chose to wear her hair in dreadlocks but was faced with a lot of backlash on her choice of style. She advocates on respecting and being proud of your heritage and female empowerment.

Laurie Penny

A n English feminist and author, Penny has never been one to fear speaking her mind. Her book Unspeakable Things: Sex, Lies, and Revolution, makes you think about women’s roles in society, the things they go through, and stereotypes that stupidly dictate what’s right and wrong. She’s one to make you think.