UK Edition
The most inspirational and powerful women of 2016 - and who you should watch in 2017...
From politics to the Paralympics, 2016 has been a turbulent year for women on the world stage. There have been tears as well as triumphs but, as we head into the new year with a female Prime Minister, it's clear that women are setting the agenda like never before.
Here, Telegraph Women writers pick their top woman from 2016 and predict who they think will make waves in 2017.
Do you agree? Tell us in the comments below...
Cathy Newman, Channel 4 News presenter
Woman of 2016: Theresa May
Even Theresa May’s friends used to joke that “she May, but then again she May not”. But in 2016, she did, becoming Britain’s second prime minister after her trademark caution paid off. Where the favourites blundered into the leadership contest – and crashed and burned - Mrs May tiptoed carefully. Her lukewarm support to Remain in the UK made her the only acceptable unity candidate. And as she walked through the door of Number 10, she showed the world that behind that reticent exterior, was a steely determination.
Woman for 2017: Theresa May
She was my political woman of 2016, and she’s also the one to watch in 2017. Theresa May’s own – and the country’s – future rests on the kind of Brexit deal she maps out next year. Mrs May might want a a 'red, white and blue Brexit', but she’s got to start showing the world what that actually means over the next 12 months. Too soft? Shehe stands to lose her party. Too hard? It’ll cost her the support of the the country. A difficult job, even for one accustomed to equivocating.
Bryony Gordon
Woman of 2016: Nimko Ali
An awesome FGM (female genital mutilation) campaigner who is fearless, feisty and loads of fun. The co-founder of Daughters of Eve, she never fails to inspire me - a true role model to girls everywhere.
Woman for 2017: Jess Phillips
Let me count the ways I love the MP for Birmingham Yardley. I love her for standing up to Jeremy Corbyn, for not being afraid to say what she thinks, and for staying true to what she believes in. Also: for being really good company and extremely funny. In 2017, she is publishing a book on speaking the truth. By 2018, I hope she will be leader of the Labour Party.
Claire Cohen
Woman of 2016: Eva Carneiro
In June this year, former Chelsea FC doctor Eva Carneiro settled her unfair dismissal and sexual discrimination tribunal against the football club - a year after she was axed by Jose Mourinho. The 42-year-old medic wanted recognition that, far from ‘not understanding’ the game, she was simply doing her job when she ran onto the pitch to treat Eden Hazard.
She got it. In a statement, Chelsea FC said it "regrets the circumstances which led to Dr Carneiro leaving the club and apologises unreservedly to her and her family for the distress caused."
Carneiro showed just how important it is that women stand up for themselves against workplace injustice. She cleared her professional name and shone a light on the sexism ingrained in football. We’re all now more aware of this behaviour and hopefully, thanks to her, less prepared to tolerate it. Oh, and she settled for a reported £5m. A brave, ballsy woman we should all admire.
Woman for 2017: Ivanka Trump
Businesswoman, mother and daughter of the US President elect, 2017 could just be Ivanka Trump's year. Though some critics of her father have boycotted her fashion line and accused her of condoning some of Donald's more questionable views, there is evidence to suggest that the 35-year-old could be the women's champion America so desperately needs. The apple of her father's eye, she likely also has his ear. And if she uses that influence to guide him on issues she claims are close to her heart - maternity leave, childcare and equal pay - Ivanka could be a powerful female voice.
Rebecca Reid
Women of 2016: Hillary Clinton
I cannot say enough about how much I love Hillary Rodham Clinton. I think I love her more because she didn't win the election. I love her because she showed the world how to get back up with dignity after you've been agonisingly, spectacularly knocked down. Had she beaten Donald Trump, we might have been lulled into a false sense of security, thinking that we'd achieved gender equality. Instead what we have is a call to arms and an inspiration. It's scant comfort, but it's something.
Woman for 2017: Mehreen Baig
I have a feeling that Baig is going to do amazing things. She was the stand-out star of the BBC's controversial Muslims Like Us documentary and was praised for her integrity and insight. She's also got the most impressive eyeliner skills I've ever seen. I hope in 2017 that she has the opportunity to do more work to combat Islamaphobia in the UK. I can't think of a better representative.
India Sturgis
Woman of 2016: Laura Kuenssberg
When everyone around her was losing their head, Laura appeared like a pillar of calm with an accent that made the miserable news reel somehow seem not that bad. In her first few months as BBC political editor (the first woman to hold the spot), she dealt with Brexit, a change of Prime Minister, the US election and the murder of an MP.
She has withstood allegations of Tory bias, a campaign of misogynistic abuse and so much mud-slinging its incredible she hasn't been buried beneath. But not only has she not been flattened, she has not missed a beat with any and all of the above, winning Journalist of the Year at the British Journalism Awards. A praise-worthy survivor of 2016 .
Woman for 2017: Nigella Lawson
My vote for 2017 goes to Nigella Lawson. Firstly, her Twitter feed has become an explosion of delicious posts entitled #RecipeOfTheDay (spiced peaches, pudding cake, fig and olive chutney anyone?). But, secondly, can you imagine anyone better to co-present Channel 4's revised Great British Bake Off next year? Never would there be such a creamy, innuendo-laden pairing than Paul Hollywood and the domestic goddess.
Eleanor Steafel
Woman of 2016: Beyoncé
Beyoncé has always written songs that make women feel empowered. But her 2016 album Lemonade was a particularly potent portrait of femininity, infidelity and redemption. Yes, women have been singing about female strength for years, but Beyoncé knows that this is a unique moment - one where she has the world's attention. And she's not afraid to use it.
The 35-year-old has repeatedly used her influence to shed light on topics that aren't discussed in a meaningful way in mainstream media. This year alone, she shook off rumours of her husband's cheating (or stoked them, depending on your reading of the album's lyrics) and highlighted the Black Lives Matter movement during her Super Bowl half-time show.
Woman for 2017: Meghan Markle
In 2017, the entire world will be watching 35-year-old Suits actress Meghan Markle - otherwise known as Prince Harry's new girlfriend. Will Haz finally do as his ancestor King Edward VIII did and marry a divorced older woman next year?
I think we're all hoping he puts a ring on it. We need some good news, after all.
Radhika Sanghani
Woman of 2016: Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama turned the role of First Lady upside down. During the eight years she's spent alongside her husband in the White House, @FLOTUS (her Twitter handle, which stands for First Lady of the United States) was never in the shadows. She launched her own campaigns, spoke up loudly for causes she believes in - including girls' rights - and criticised the racist stereotype of the 'angry black lady', often used to criticise her.
Whether she'll run for President in 2020 as so many have suggested? I plan to keep on watching this space.
Woman for 2017: Ellie Robinson
Ellie competed in her first Paralympics at Rio 2016, and the 15-year-old ended up setting a record for the 50m butterfly and winning a gold medal. But one of the best things about her performance was her entrance, when she walked out doing a gangster-style strut, wearing a black cape and listening to Eminem on her headphones.
No wonder she won BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. In 2017, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of her.