This year we have dedicated the OkayAfrica 100 Womenlist to those daughters who embody the fortitude of their continental mothers, paired with sovereignty that is wholly unique to today’s youth culture. Freedom of minds, agency over our bodies, and equity for all is not a choice. It’s the only way.

Youth culture, as we interpret it, does not subscribe to the idea that those who are participants are young in their stage of life. This list of women—carefully curated from over 500 nominations—is one that spans over two generations of changemakers and is not beholden to age. These are individuals who are both youth peers actively working to undo generational oppression in all forms and women who have dedicated their lives to investing in young people.

This year’s list includes amazing women like Ghana’s outspoken model Adwoa Aboah, 18-year-old Olympic short track speed skater Maame Biney, South Sudanese beauty blogger Nyma Tang, Hollywood’s Danai Gurira, Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi, America’s first Somali-American Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and so many more.

OkayAfrica says:

These women are disrupting the status quo socially, economically, and politically. They are creating safe spaces for African women globally, driving technological and scientific advancements, pushing for inclusivity in television, film, art and media and steering us toward a more sustainable way of living.

See the full list below.

Click here to read about the women