<b>J.K. Rowling</b>: Even if you’re one of the 15 people left on the planet who haven’t read her books, chances are you still know the basic plot points. With <i>Harry Potter</i>, Rowling inspired a generation of children to get reading, and became the first female billionaire author in the process. Don’t pretend you haven’t brandished her books on the train. Click for more photos

21 women to admire

J.K. Rowling: Even if you’re one of the 15 people left on the planet who haven’t read her books, chances are you still know the basic plot points. With Harry Potter, Rowling inspired a generation of children to get reading, and became the first female billionaire author in the process. Don’t pretend you haven’t brandished her books on the train.

It’s that time of year when we sit down to take stock of the triumphs and challenges faced by 51 percent of the world’s population. No, not New Years Eve. I’m talking about International Women’s Day.

And given what a long way the female of the species has come since we first started celebrating International Women’s Day back in 1911, we figured there was no better time to celebrate some of the high flying, innovative and downright gutsy women who inspire those of us here at Daily Life.

Our list of 21 women to admire encompasses activists, writers, CEOs, fashion designers, photographers and scientists. It celebrates the brazen and outspoken, as well as the quiet achievers. Have a browse through the women we love below, and let us know who inspires you in the comments.