By AFP
NEW YORK: Egyptian activist Samira Ibrahim was among this year’s 100 most influential people in the world, according to Time magazine.
Time published its annual list Wednesday, showcasing a typically eclectic mix of personalities, ranging from the rich and powerful, like financier Warren Buffett or US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernake, to popular entertainers like Adele and Beyonce.
The list, broken into moguls, breakouts, icons, pioneers and leader categories, is compiled by Time after an online poll of readers.
This year Time chose 38 women for the top 100, which was more than in previous years.
“When I first heard Samira’s story, it moved me. Not simply because of the abhorrent injustice she experienced but also because of her bravery to speak the truth and to face those who would tell her to stay quiet,” Charlize Theron, Oscar-winning actress and a UN Messenger of Peace focusing on eliminating violence against women, wrote.
“It takes a strong person to stand up for what is right in the face of ostracism and public scrutiny. Samira represents the model of how to stand up to fear, and the impact she has made reaches far beyond Egypt. It takes just one woman to speak out, and thousands of others around the world will listen and feel inspired to act,” Theron continued.
Ibrahim, 25, is one of the activists who were subjected to the virginity tests last year and filed the landmark case against the army officers who performed the tests.
Although the list is still heavily US-centric, featuring popular Asian-American basketball player Jeremy Lin and politicians like New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, it had 54 international names — the first time they outweighed the American contingent.
Those range from Pippa Middleton, sister of Prince William’s wife Kate, to Ibrahim and Barcelona goal scoring machine Messi.
The shadowy group of activist computer hackers Anonymous also earned a place, despite the list technically being for influential people.
Time managing editor Rick Stengel said the list was “about the infinite possibilities of influence and the power of influence to change the world.
“Now [one] can tweet a phrase that reaches millions in a flash. Influence was never easier — or more ephemeral. Which is why we try to choose those people whose influence is both lasting and, with a few notable exceptions, laudable.”
