Dame Deborah James named among most empowering female role models of past 25 years

DAME Deborah James has been named among the most empowering female role models of the past 25 years.

The late BowelBabe cancer campaigner ranked third behind burns survivor Katie Piper, 41, and former First Lady Michelle Obama, 61.

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Sun columnist Deborah died of bowel cancer aged 40 in June 2022 after a fearless campaign to destigmatise the disease. Her BowelBabe fund has raised more than £16million.

Other women who were voted into the top 20 include music legend Tina Turner, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, fictional character Bridget Jones and actresses Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who spent her life fighting for gender equality and civil liberties, also earned a place on the list.

The study of 4,000 adults found that the traits most valued in a role model are honesty, kindness and intelligence.

Galaxy chocolate conducted the research as part of an ongoing partnership with the Young Women's Trust.

Galaxy director Romi Mackiewicz said: "We know role models play a critical role in helping lift people up and can positively impact confidence, career and even health.

"Our research shows that women think it's important to have a female role model and it's also shown that we need to celebrate and highlight women who embrace a new definition of empowerment."

It also emerged role models inspire people to make meaningful life changes - from putting their mental health first, to aiming for leadership roles, or simply not being afraid to speak up.

Others say they've been encouraged to take time out for themselves, or talk more openly about issues that matter, after being inspired by someone they look up to.

On average, almost three in ten (29 per cent) believe the workplace is a key setting for positive role models.

However, there is a generational divide, with older generations saying they don't look for role models at all (67 per cent), compared to just seven per cent of Gen Z.

For older generations who do look for role models, they seek inspiration from family members or friends (48 per cent).

Likewise, Gen Z also turn to family or friends (63 per cent) as their main role models, but are increasingly looking to influencers (34 per cent), the television (28 per cent) and celebrities (23 per cent) too.

When asked what type of content inspires them most online, 29 per cent said they're moved by people being honest about the tough times.

And 15 per cent said showing authenticity with unfiltered posts is the quality that inspires them most, according to the findings carried out by OnePoll.com.

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