Durban - March 8 is International Women's Day.
Here are five influential women who continue to inspire.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: This Nigerian-born author has written two best selling books and has won several awards to boot. A speech by her features in Beyonce's song Flawless. She has been called one of the best African writers of our time.
Thuli Madonsela: South Africa's Public Protector is an award-winning advocate who has become widely known for her investigation into the spending on President Jacob Zuma's personal residence in Nkandla.
Angela Merkel: The Chancellor of Germany since 2005, she has topped the Forbes top 100 list as one of the most influential people in the world. She serves as a senior G7 leader and is widely recognised as one of the world's most respected and powerful politicians.
Michelle Obama: A Harvard graduate and keynote speaker, Obama is the First Lady of the United States and also the first African American woman to hold this title. Her Let's Move! Initiative across the US aims at tackling childhood obesity.
Oprah Winfrey: Dubbed the "Queen of all Media", Winfrey has been in the media for 33 years and has continued to branch off into various successful avenues in the industry.
Lauren Daniels, IOL