Penny Wong: Australia’s first openly gay federal minister, Wong has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for same sex rights and marriage equality... even as she’s copped criticism for not doing so more vocally. She is proof you don’t need to be loud about your achievements to make a difference. Click for more photos

21 inspiring women

Penny Wong: Australia’s first openly gay federal minister, Wong has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for same sex rights and marriage equality... even as she’s copped criticism for not doing so more vocally. She is proof you don’t need to be loud about your achievements to make a difference.

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.