<strong>Beyonce's performance at the VMAs</strong> forced millions of people to stare at the word "Feminist" and ponder its almighty power. Awesome. [Credit: Getty Images]
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<strong>Flat shoes</strong> were always the smart, comfortable option for go-getting women, but this year they really hit the runway in earnest. [Credit: Getty Images]
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<strong>Emma Watson's speech to the UN</strong> delivered a strong feminist message not only to her fans, but to government officials. Her campaign HeForShe motivated men everywhere to get involved in women's equal rights. [Credit: Getty Images]
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<strong>Malala won the Nobel Peace Prize </strong> for her fight for women's rights and education in Pakistan. Nothing like an fearless feminist getting recognition on the world stage! [Credit: Getty Images]
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<strong>Awesome toys for girls</strong> came out this year. Remember Goldiblox's viral campaign to introduce engineering toys to girls? That was awesome (even though the <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beastie-boys-settle-lawsuit-over… Boys weren't happy they used "Girls" on the soundtrack</a>). Then there were these awesome female action figures from IAmElemental who kick butt and take names! So long Barbie! [Credit: Justin Fantl]
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<strong>The 2014 New York Times Bestseller List</strong> was chock full of strong female authors, and they were often writing about female empowerment. Amy Poehler, Roxane Gay, Sophia Amoruso, and (whether you love her or not) Lena Dunham all crushed sales this year.
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<strong>There are more than 100 women in American congress for the first time in history.</strong> The 2014 midterm elections brought on record support for female candidates, including the first African-American Republican congresswoman, the first senator from Iowa and West Virginia, and first female governor of Rhode Island. [Credit: Getty Images]
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<strong>Ringly</em> is the first step toward the Inspector Gadget-ification of professional women everywhere, and it's taking over the world! This cool gadget -- designed by Christina Mercando -- GLOWS when you get a phone call, an e-mail, text, whatever you program it to do. No more digging around in your purse to get updates from work!
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<strong>Angelina Jolie spoke at a global summit to end sexual violence during wartime,</strong> bringing much-needed attention to a rampant problem. [Credit: Getty Images]
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<strong>Lupita Nyong'o's Oscar win</strong> not only showed marked progress in film diversity (she's the first Mexican and first Kenyan to win an Oscar), but she looked absolutely stunning doing it. Let's just say Lupita herself is one of the best things to happen to women, ever. [Credit: Getty Images]