TIME Celebrates 2025 Women of the Year Honorees Leading the Charge for Gender Equality
TIME Unveils the 2025 Women of the Year List
On February 20, 2025, TIME magazine announced its esteemed 2025 Women of the Year list, spotlighting 13 influential women who are making significant contributions toward a more equitable future. This annual recognition highlights the essential work of female leaders across various sectors, showcasing their dedication, resilience, and innovative solutions.
Among this year's honorees are prominent figures including actress and producer Nicole Kidman, WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, and singer-songwriter Laufey. Each of these remarkable women has demonstrated unwavering commitment to their causes, paving the way for future generations by addressing critical issues that affect women and marginalized communities worldwide.
The special 2025 Women of the Year issue of TIME features three distinct covers, each celebrating these empowered women. Along with Nicole Kidman, A'ja Wilson, and Jordan Chiles, the covers provide insight into their narratives and the impacts of their work. TIME’s Editorial Director Lucy Feldman emphasized in a statement that, despite pervasive challenges such as gender-based violence and environmental concerns, these leaders are actively engaged in creating solutions and advocating for change.
The TIME Women of the Year Gala is set to take place on February 25 in Los Angeles, an event that will honor these women and their formidable contributions. In conjunction with the gala, the first-time Women of the Year Leadership Forum will offer a platform for discussions aimed at developing actionable strategies for promoting equality and justice. This event aims to augment the voices of women in various fields, drawing upon the insights of influential leaders involved.
Notable speakers at the forum will include actress Nicole Kidman, Gloria Walton, CEO of Solutions Project, Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, CEO of Xero, and founder of Girls With Impact, Jennifer Openshaw. Their participation signifies a multifaceted approach to addressing systemic challenges and fostering collaborative discourse on social equity.
This initiative stems from TIME’s ongoing commitment, initiated in 2020, to spotlight influential women who have historically been overlooked. Continuing this legacy through the Women of the Year project, TIME not only acknowledges current achievers but also aims to create a reference point for future advocates of equality.
In reflecting on this year's list, Jessica Sibley, the CEO of TIME, praised the honorees for their visionary leadership and relentless advocacy in pursuit of a more fair and inclusive world. The Women of the Year platform continues to engage various partners like Amazon, Booking.com, Chase, and others, to cultivate an environment ripe for conversation and action toward sustainable progress.
The 2025 Women of the Year Gala will feature appearances from several honorees, culminating in a special musical performance by Laufey, emphasizing the alignment of art, advocacy, and leadership.
In conclusion, the recognition and celebration of these extraordinary women not only serves to amplify their narratives but also inspires an entire movement of individuals devoted to effecting tangible change in society. Through comprehensive dialogue and collaboration, the events surrounding the Women of the Year initiative create a lasting impact, fostering a culture where women can thrive and lead on their own terms.
As the world grapples with complex challenges in gender equality and social justice, TIME’s Women of the Year initiative continues to shine a light on those who are diligently working towards a brighter, more equitable future for everyone.