Who are FT readers’ women of 2024?

Every December, the FT Weekend Magazine puts together a special issue dedicated to the most influential women of the year: 25 heroes, leaders and creators from around the world and across industries who have shaped the past 12 months and, more likely than not, will shape the future.

An important part of this project are the nominations that we receive from you, our readers, via the comment section on FT.com, Instagram, emails and letters. We are always excited to hear about the women who have impacted, inspired or impressed you. Here are some of the nominees put forward by you that were not already on our list. These trailblazing women have pushed boundaries, made important discoveries, advocated for change and challenged the status quo.

Rebecca Gomperts

doctor and women’s rights activist

For providing healthcare to American women at times when their rights are threatened.
—GL-00000 via FT.com

Susie Wiles

CAMPAIGN STRATEGIST

For her part in steering the Republican party to victory in the presidential race.
—Bliain an bhFrancach via FT.com

Simran Kaur

WRITER AND PODCASTER

Simran Kaur from Girls That Invest because she’s opened up the world of investment to ordinary women, especially those from a south Asian background like me where the cultural consensus is to save. She provides useful, free information in a digestible format that can be applied to your own circumstances and is a pioneer when it comes to breaking down traditional barriers to investing.
—FIfeminist via FT.com

Louise Johnson

CEO

Global CEO of Fuse and the first global female head of a sports talent agency. Led the jury as president at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Hugely influential and a role model within the creative sector. She has opened up offices in three countries already this year with more on the horizon.
—Sarah, Brighton via FT.com

Jean Oelwang

CEO

Co-founded [entrepreneurial foundation] Virgin Unite and The Elders (which was led by Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and others). She also co-founded the B Team (Paul Polman, Jesper Brodin et al) and then the Planetary Guardians (with Johan Rockström, Jane Goodall, Christiana Figueres, Sylvia Earle et al). Jean is a huge champion of collaboration and partnership and solving big problems together.
—RSPG via FT.com

Zendaya

Actress

I think she is an amazing role model from the entertainment industry and she had a great year. I admire her talent, professionalism, style, her integrity and how she navigates the world of her industry.
—Mon_2021 via FT.com

Francesca Albanese

UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories

For speaking up where so many others are silencing down.
—@blissbohemian via Instagram

Ula Maria

Garden designer

Winner of Best in Show at Chelsea Flower Show this year, beating off some “big name” designers. Originally from rural Lithuania, her childhood experiences in nature directly influence her design work.
—@lucy.bellamy via Instagram

Poppy Gustafsson

UK Minister of State for Investment

Proving that exemplary tech success is possible in the UK and then representing the UK on the global stage.
—PierceEggsBeforeSucking via FT.com

Toshiko Abe

japan Minister of education

For her role in Japan’s government as minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology.

—Bliain an bhFrancach via FT.com

Madison Marsh

physicist

Astrophysicist, US Air Force Academy grad, Harvard student, Miss America, pilot. No, she is not a CEO, but her credentials are equally as admirable and respectable.
–HITTman

This article has been amended to correct the biographical details of Madison Marsh