LONDON (VOGUE) Each month, British Vogue is highlighting change-makers: the women making a positive contribution to society, raising awareness and changing mindsets on topics spanning climate change, diversity, mental health, gender rights, disability and numerous other issues. From football to poetry and cooking, January saw incredible women scoring first-achievements across fields; while others stood their ground and shook some systems.
Clare Smyth
On 26 January, Clare Smyth – who was the caterer for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding – became the first British woman to win three Michelin stars for her debut restaurant, Core. This follows her being named “best female chef in the world” by World’s 50 Best Restaurants, known as the ‘Oscars of cooking’, in 2018.
Stella Nyanzi
Stella Nyanzi challenged long-serving Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni by running for office as MP for Kampala on a radical, queer, feminist platform. Although she lost the election on 20 January, Nyanzi – who is known for her powerful protests and poetry – won in terms of influencing the “hearts and minds” of Ugandans longing for change.
Amanda Gorman
22-year-old Amanda Gorman, the first ever US National Youth Poet Laureate, made history when she became the youngest poet to perform at a presidential inauguration – joining Maya Angelou and Robert Frost in the honour. Then, on 27 January, Gorman made history again, when it was announced she will be the first poet to perform at the Super Bowl in February.
Sarah Thomas
On 19 January, Sarah Thomas was announced as the first woman to officiate at the Super Bowl, taking place on 7 February. “I never set out, at all, to be the first in any of this, but knowing the impact I’m having on not just my daughter, but young girls, women everywhere – and young men and men, too – is remarkable,” she said of the feat.
Rachel Levine
In a bid for change, Rachel Levine was nominated by President Biden as his assistant health secretary on 18 January. Levine will make history as the first transgender official to be confirmed by the Senate.
