Our favourite humanitarian celebrity women
My daughter recently asked me, “Mum, if God was a woman who would she be?” Without a pause, I replied, “Oprah!”
I’m not a religious person, but if I had to align with the values of a celebrity, I would probably choose Oprah Winfrey to lead me to spiritual enlightenment. Her endless philanthropy, volunteer work, and advocacy has made her one of the most humanitarian and generous women of modern times.
Oprah’s main charitable focus is on education and African and African American human rights. She has paved the way for younger women to follow her lead to use their wealth and celebrity status to help others.
Our top 5 humanitarian list includes women from every generation who are making a tangible difference to the lives of others in all areas of life and across the globe. Keep reading to discover more about these generous women and find out who made our highly commended list.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Jane Fonda
If I could steal anyone’s legacy and make it my own, it would be Jane Fonda’s. What an incredible woman. Now into her eighties, Jane Fonda has spent her adult life fighting for peace, equality, the environment, and social justice.
She has never given up.
If anything, her activism has ramped up in recent years, seeing her once again arrested while fighting for environmental reform. Even spending a night in jail. She has used her foundation and personal funds to contribute to many charities with a focus on education, environmental issues, reproductive health, and the arts.
Rhianna
Shortly after Rhianna Fenty tasted fame and success, she set to work to help others. Creating her Believe Foundation at just 18 years of age, Rhianna has become one of the most active humanitarians and philanthropists in the world.
Partnering with a multitude of foundations and charity organisations, Rhianna has dedicated much of her adult life to helping others. Health, education, and emergency projects are at the heart of Rhianna’s focus, which is both hands on and philanthropic.
Angelina Jolie
In her role as special envoy for the United Nations, Angelina Jolie has seen firsthand the devastating effects of war and conflict. Her commitment is centred on helping refugees and preventing sexual violence in conflict, with a strong focus on improving the lives of children affected by war and displacement.
Her awareness of the needs of refugees began when she travelled to Cambodia to adopt her first child, Maddox. She established her first foundation a year later which aims to improve health care, education, and end poverty in the country she holds so close to her heart.
Emma Watson
Fabulous feminist and champion of gender equality, Emma Watson is another young woman dedicating her life to others. Her humanitarian efforts to improve education opportunities for women and girls has led her to the appointment of UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.
Prior to her appointment at the UN, where she advocates for gender equality across the globe, Emma served as an ambassador for Camfed, an organisation that sets out to revolutionise girl’s education in Africa. She continues to support their efforts to help girls across the continent to become independent and influential women.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton pretty much helps everyone. If she can help raise funds or awareness for a good cause, she’s there with bells on. I read recently that if she wanted to, she could easily be a billionaire, but she donates so much of her personal wealth to helping others that she doesn’t quite make the cut.
Her charitable work stretches back to the 80s when she established her Dollywood Foundation to help children achieve educational success. Since then, she has partnered with hospitals, helped fire victims, supported transgender rights, and even donated $1 million to Covid-19 vaccine research. A true living angel, we absolutely adore Dolly Parton and all she stands for.
Highly Commended
Other amazing charitable celebrities we’d like to celebrate this International Women’s Day include Katy Perry, Scarlett Johansson, Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Shakira, Meryl Streep, Gloria Steinem, with a posthumous celebration of the late, great Betty White.
