A woman’s worth

Britain’s obsession with the cult of celebrity looks as though it could be on the wane following the results of a new survey which aimed to discover the ‘World’s Most Inspirational Woman’.

The research was commissioned to celebrate the DVD launch of Changeling; the true, shocking story of Christine Collins, a woman in 1920s America who took on the might and corruption of the LAPD after her son disappeared. Despite all the odds, Christine’s courage and determination ensured that her voice was heard and her case rocked the Californian legal system.

In the poll of 1,200 women, the Nobel-prize winning scientist, Marie Curie, was deemed to be most inspirational, followed by Mother Theresa, Princess Diana, Anita Roddick and J.K Rowling. More modern ‘celebrities’ such as Madonna, Oprah Winfrey and Hillary Clinton came bottom of the survey.

Over 100 years ago, Marie Curie’s scientific brilliance propelled her to the top of the physics profession. Her research into radiation and the discovery of the element radium toppled established theories in physics and chemistry and substantially contributed to shaping the world we live in now. However, it also had an equally important social impact; Curie’s success was achieved despite enormous social barriers placed in her way as a woman.

Women who challenged the established order and competed and won in situations where they were at a distinct disadvantage were a common theme in the Top 10 inspirational women. The record-breaking author JK Rowling was held in high regard amongst 25-34 year olds. This was as much for her rags-to-riches story as penning the world famous Harry Potter books. Just out of the top five Rosa Parks, mother of the civil rights movement, was considered inspirational for her peaceful defiance of an unjust, racist system.

Women who dedicated their lives to altruistic and philanthropic works also ranked highly in the poll. Behind the world famous scientist in second place is the esteemed humanitarian Mother Theresa, who tended to the needs of the sick, poor, orphaned and dying for over 45 years.

Third place in the poll goes to the ‘People’s Princess; woman who stirred an outbreak of public mourning in the UK not seen before or since. Diana was noted for her sense of compassion and for her work with many worthwhile causes including Aids awareness and campaigning against landmines

The survey also asked participants to choose which qualities defined women as inspirational. Topping the list were courage, dedication and honesty whilst more self-serving and materialistic attributes such as ambition came at the bottom.

ITV’s resident agony aunt Denise Robertson commented: “This survey demonstrates that women do not necessarily view material success alone as inspirational. They place more value on altruistic and humanitarian qualities and this is why stories of women such as Christine Collins, told in the film Changeling, are so powerful. Christine Collins was a woman who showed incredible courage and determination in standing up for herself and others in a time when women had very little voice.”

Changeling is available to own and rent on DVD and Blu-ray now.

Top 10 inspirational celebrities

1. Marie Curie
2. Mother Theresa
3. Princess Diana
4. Anita Roddick
5. J. K Rowling
6. Rosa Prks
7. Queen Elizabeth II
8. Margeret Thatcher
9. Ellen MacArthur
10. Aung San Suu Kyi

Most important qualities defining inspirational women

1. Courage
2. Dedication
3. Inner strength
4. Honesty
5. Passion
6. Resilience
7. Hard working
8. Kindness
9. Standing up for others/those who do not have a voice
10. Self Sacrifice
11. Vision
12. Ambition
13. Making a stand
14. Generosity
15. Success