Wonder women

8 MARCH IS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

VIOLA DAVIS

She’s one of few performers who have received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award – aka an EGOT winner – but Viola’s impressive work goes beyond the world of acting. A committed activist and philanthropist, Viola has worked tirelessly for better rights for women – specifically those of colour – and mental health awareness, and is tackling the challenge of eliminating child hunger. The 58-year-old, who set up her own production company to promote inclusivity in the film industry, said, ‘I feel like my entire life has been a protest. My production company is my protest. Me not wearing a wig at the Oscars in 2012 was my protest. It is a part of my voice.’

OLIVIA COLMAN

She regularly plays powerful women – including the late Queen Elizabeth II – on-screen, but off-screen Olivia is a force to be reckoned with, too. In 2020, after some years as one of its ambassadors, The Crown star was named Unicef’s UK President. However, her charity efforts extend beyond that. Last year Olivia, 50, starred in a video highlighting the role of pension funds in fossil fuel projects. She said, ‘I hope everyone who sees this ad realises the shocking – but unintended – impact of our pensions and makes their money matter. It really is one of the most powerful things we can all do to protect the planet.’

MARGOT ROBBIE

Barbie actor and producer Margot, 33, is all about girl power. Her production company, Lucky Chap, promotes female stories from female storytellers in a bid to fill the gap caused by gender inequality and was behind conversation-starting films including Promising Young Women, I, Tonya, and, of course, Barbie. Explaining why she is so passionate about her work, Margot said, ‘We are all just women, all facing the inequalities that being a woman brings with it. And though we are unique and powerful as individuals, we are invincible when we come together.’