International Women's Day 2011: World's Most Inspiring Women (PHOTOS)

From female presidents to humanitarians to Nobel Prize laureates, the world is full of inspiring women who've left behind their cultural mark.

The Huffington Post World team invites you to honor International Women's Day by celebrating the academic, political and social achievements of ladies past, present and future.

Cast your vote for the most inspiring woman here:

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Angela Merkel

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Merkel is the Germany's first female Chancellor. In 2007, she became the second woman to chair the G8 after Margaret Thatcher.

Bo Xilai Scandal: China Leadership Insists Scandal Is 'Isolated Case'

Turkey Seeking Curbs On Abortions, C-Sections

Pakistan: U.S. Drone Fires Missiles Into Compound, Killing 4 Suspected Militants

Ratko Mladic Trial Should Start In Weeks, UN Prosecutor Says

Secret Service Scandal Did Not Result In Security Breach, Director Says

Egypt Presidential Elections 2012: Timeline Of Egypt After Mubarak

Merkel is the Germany's first female Chancellor. In 2007, she became the second woman to chair the G8 after Margaret Thatcher.

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loOranks said on 9 Wednesday 2011 am31 8:10 am: Another sad day for the UN.

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Comments

[bradenton]

09:12 AM on 03/14/2011

Why is it a picture of Hillary and Roseann Barr?

[Lou Allin]

11:39 PM on 03/11/2011

There's hope. It's only going to take another fifty years, not that long in the scope of the world. Women will save us.

[dick daly]

02:36 AM on 03/11/2011

I guess Bieber's not old enough yet. Either way, she's got my vote. I'm way over here in Korea and she's all over the air waves.

[Demarcus Jackson]

12:00 AM on 03/11/2011

My highest vote is for my beautiful, sassy, and strong mother :-)

[Demarcus Jackson]

12:00 AM on 03/11/2011

My high votes were for Aung San Suu Kyi, Sima Samar and, my girl, Hillary Clinton (who I was proud to support for President, before lending my support to Obama).

[amaboss52]

04:00 PM on 03/10/2011

I don't know but I'm inspired by the single mother working two jobs, raising children, struggling to make ends meet and finding time to better her education. I'm inspired by the woman who works tirelessly for the poor anonymously, or the stay at home mom who devotes herself to her family for their betterment. This is real inspiration, not taking credit, not being recognized yet plugging along and getting it done. Just sayin.

[ammsamm]

12:09 AM on 03/10/2011

Women have always been strong and able to accomplish great things.
I don't find that extraordinary or even inspiring - to me, that's normal.

It's some men who feel threatened by that. It's their attitude that needs to change.

[logicanada]

12:10 PM on 03/09/2011

My wife should be on that list. She has never abandoned her own family for fame or fortune or to make a statement about her equality. We put her on a pedestal high above the likes of Hilary Clinton every day.

[onlyaquarterdelusional]

10:00 AM on 03/12/2011

Now don't you get the admiring lap dog husband award this morning and don't forget your pat on the head...You don't think that a women can be both a good mother and have a career of thier own? Really? Many women do, some by choice, some by need and hopefully thier children learn to admire this work ethic. You only want our sons to learn this only from thier fathers? Why? What's wrong with teaching your daughters to be strong willed, strong minded and independent through example. I try to instill these qualities in my daughter everyday and as her father I couldn't be more proud of the fact that at 15 she already stands on her own 2 feet quite well. I'm sure Chelsea Clinton is just as proud of her mother, as her mother is of her...and when did Hillary Clinton ever abandon her family for anything? except for maybe in the ignorant minds that wander aimlessly in bs dittoland.

[BassguyGG]

10:22 AM on 03/09/2011

Why isn't out own Arianna Huffington on this list? She is world class.

[Thisbeautifulplanet]

12:03 PM on 03/13/2011

Read carefully all of the sections of the Huffington Post and you will change your mind.

[Vikingdave]

10:11 AM on 03/09/2011

I vote for every single mother, struggeling to raise their children.

[googler9900]

09:55 AM on 03/09/2011

Where is Margaret Thatcher?!

[logicanada]

12:11 PM on 03/09/2011

Off somewhere being arrogant to the commoners.

[mckinngk]

09:41 AM on 03/09/2011

International Women's Day happens to fall on Fat Tuesday.

[Louis Danton]

08:30 AM on 03/09/2011

Wow, to be an inspiring woman, you just need to be where the power lies. Inspiring people are those you don't notice but who make your days easier every day of your life, those who say hello, smile and help you when you need it, those who stand by you without even asking something in return. They are giants who are too big to be noticed.

[messy]

08:46 AM on 03/09/2011

You also have to fuck powerful men. Most of the women on the list got where they were that way.

[joseyy]

08:10 AM on 03/10/2011

i disagree.

[straitback]

07:39 AM on 03/09/2011

Would have been nice to see Helen Thomas on the list.
The journalist, who always asked the tough questions at the White House press briefings.
Whoops! Maybe that's why!

[Wianno]

07:33 AM on 03/09/2011

All of the candidates are inspiring. I'm puzzled that the list did not include others not directly involved in government or protest/advocacy movements. Angela Jolie, for one, ought to have been nominated for her work among the suffering and underprivileged.