She has been prepared to stand-up for what she believes in, including drawing attention to the plight of Nigerian schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram.
Amidst the general unpleasantness of the US election, hers was an empathetic voice of inclusion, equality and dignity which was genuinely moving.
Georgina Beyer
At a time when public discussion about sexual identity was taboo in New Zealand, Georgina Beyer kick-started the conversation around transgender issues.
Back in 1999, I remember being immensely proud that New Zealand had produced the world's first openly transgender Member of Parliament, an achievement many viewed as the next chapter in New Zealand's long history of championing women's rights and supporting social justice.
Georgina is a brave and courageous women whose impact on New Zealand politics and society as a whole continues to be felt today.
Paula Bennett
I've always admired the story behind Paula's rise to become one of the most powerful and recognisable women in New Zealand politics.
Overcoming adversity has been one of her hallmarks since her early days as a solo teen mother and student.
In conversations I've had with Paula, it's clear she is driven by her values.
She combines deep empathy and understanding with a mental toughness and resilience that has helped her succeed in some of the most challenging ministerial portfolios over the course of her career.
And on top of all that, she's genuine, confident and great fun to be around.
Helen Clark
No list of inspirational women would be complete without Helen Clark.
As someone who dominated New Zealand politics for almost a decade, she continues to inspire women to have confidence in their abilities, overcome obstacles and push themselves to the highest echelons of their chosen profession.
In my experience meeting with Helen while in office, she was always open, constructive and supportive of women, irrespective of where they sat on the political divide.
While many of her generation are now content to start slowing down, she continues to seek out new opportunities to make a real difference on a global scale.