Conceived with award-winning filmmaker Alma Har’el, the 100 Women of the Year were selected by TIME editors, in collaboration with Har’el, and a committee of influential women across different fields, including Katie Couric, Soledad O’Brien, Lena Waithe, MJ Rodriguez, Elaine Welteroth, Amanda Nguyen, Zazie Beetz, and former editor in chief of TIME Nancy Gibbs.
For 72 years, TIME named a ‘Man of the Year’. With a few exceptions, it was almost always a man, usually a President or a Prime Minister or perhaps a titan of industry. Throughout history, these are the kinds of men who have wielded influence over the world.
In 1999, Man of the Year gave way to Person of the Year. While the name rightly changed, too often the choice was the same. With this 100 Women of the Year project, we’re spotlighting influential women who were often overshadowed.
Explore TIME 100 WOMEN OF THE YEAR here.