They are the leaders, business heads, fashionistas and movie stars and they have come a long way since March 19, 1911 when the first IWD was celebrated in Germany following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America.

With rapid industrialization and economic expansion towards the turn of the 20th century, there was a unified voice demanding improved working conditions and equal political and human rights for women.

However, it was only during the 1970s, as the international feminist movement started to gain momentum, that United Nations General Assembly declared 1975 as the International Women's Year and organized the first World Conference on Women, held in Mexico City.

Despite all the measures undertaken to prevent gender discrimination and forge equal rights, gender-based violence and conflicts have continued throughout the ages.

For the 100th anniversary of the International Women's Day, President Barack Obama proclaimed March 2011 to be Women's History Month stating that there is still work to be done before women achieve true parity.

Take a look at our list of 10 most influential women across the globe who have, through their constant efforts and dedication, set new milestones for the world to tread on.

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Michelle Obama
First Lady’s plane forced to abort landing due to controller’s mistake Reuters.
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton Reuters.
Oprah Winfrey
An American television host, actress, and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey is regarded as one of the most influential women across the globe. Born into poverty in rural Mississippi, Oprah rose to fame with her tabloid talk show that revolutionized the face of the 21st century mainstream television and media communication. It was reportedly her 14 million estimated daily fan-base that helped President Barack Obama gain the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination. Reuters.
Angela Merkel
Angela Merkel Reuters.
Lady Gaga
With five Grammy Awards, twelve nominations and estimated sale of fifteen million albums; very few artists can claim to achieve what Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta popularly known as Lady Gaga has within a short span of time. The American pop-singer is known as much for her musical performances as her outré sense of style and fashion. Reuters.
Indra Nooyi
This Indian-born American executive is popularly known as the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Incorporated. Besides this, she is also a member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum, International Rescue Committee, Catalyst and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Reuters.
Aung San Suu Kyi
Recipient of Rafto Prize and the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 1990 and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991; Aung has helped to forge a new political scenario in her country, Burma, through her constant efforts and dedication. Aung San Suu Kyi has been placed under house arrest on numerous occasions since she began her political career, totaling 15 of the past 21 years. In fact, for the past 20 years, she had to struggle a lot under the oppressive Burmese junta who are the rulers of the country. Reuters.
Nancy Pelosi
She was the first woman to hold the US House of Representatives and is the highest ranking female politician in American history. On November 17, 2010, Pelosi was elected as the Democratic Leader by House Democrats and therefore the Minority Leader in the Republican-controlled House for the 112th Congress. Reuters.
Sarah Palin
Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin has bought an 8,000-square feet- house in North Scottsdale, Arizona for about $1.7 million, the Wall Street Journal reported citing people familiar with the deal. Reuters
Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordon
She was just another Business Administration graduate working in private sector until she met Jordon's king. A very popular figure in the Middle-East, Rania Al Abdullah is the current Queen consort of Jordan as the wife of King Abdullah II of Jordan. Throughout the years, she has striven to improve the quality of education for Jordanian children while, at the same time, advocating the need for education for children across the globe. Reuters.
Barack obama United nations Germany Hillary Clinton