Marie claire has debuted its “Woman Of The Year” issue, with Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame gracing the cover, making a powerful and poignant statement.
Both Tame and Higgins have had big and prolific years, with Tame being named 2021’s Australian of the Year – for her advocacy work for children’s sexual abuse and Higgins, a former Liberal staffer, being thrust into the spotlight after she came forward with allegations against a former colleague – who she claims raped her in Parliament House in 2019.
Both women now have devoted social media followings, that they use to advocate for important issues. Tame has over 85,000 followers on Twitter, while Higgins has over 47,000 followers
So, it makes sense that marie claire would tap them for cover stars, they are the women of the moment, creating real change and addressing some difficult issues.
Still, it is an exciting choice, a move away from movie stars and models and a celebration of real women that are creating tangible change.
Nicky Briger, editor of marie claire said: “Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins are catalysts for change and have led the conversation on the need for meaningful reform on the sexual exploitation of women and the urgent need for change.
“I’m delighted they are helming this important issue of marie claire, as well as sharing their touching tributes on their friendship.”
Tame told Marie Claire: “Brittany is fiercely intelligent, and her ability to articulate the situation and maintain diplomacy in the face of total ugliness and abhorrent behaviour is incredible.”
Higgins told Marie Claire: “Not only does she speak with such a depth of knowledge about child sexual abuse and gendered violence but she does it in a way that is incredibly accessible to a wide range of people.”
While the issue, isn’t hitting shelves until Thursday, the cover has already caused a stir online, with marie claire being applauded for picking such important and iconic cover stars.
Congratulations @BrittHiggins & @TamePunk, this is wonderful recognition from @marieclaire for your #activism & so well deserved! Your bravery & #integrity shine through, women & allies thank you for being leading voices of change @march4justiceau#EnoughIsEnough #Listen2Women https://t.co/mCm0GrlCsP
— Bronwyn Currie (@CurrieBronwyn) November 14, 2021
Perfectly chosen Marie Claire! It is wonderful to see women sticking together and standing up in solidarity. These two women have been to hell and back but they stand strong and represent so many thousands of other women in this country.
— Melanie (@womenallianceoz) November 15, 2021
Dead set legends 👍🏼👏🏽. Kudos to those at @marieclaire for this decision. Buying for my daughter, my niece and myself .
— Fiona Lang (@FionaLang71) November 14, 2021
https://twitter.com/RumRational/status/1459827059472039939
Brava @BrittHiggins_ & @TamePunk – given what you’ve been endured & experienced this year alone I can only imagine how wild it is to find yourselves on the cover of Marie Claire. Iconic heroes, you both!! And props to @NickyBriger & MC team for the vision. 🔥💯🔥 #EnoughIsEnough pic.twitter.com/oNSsAgHEu8
— Georgie Dent (@georgiedent) November 14, 2021
Tame and Higgins lead the 10-page “Women of the Year” portfolio in which we honour nine women – and the everyday activists of Biloela – who have risen to the challenge in 2021.
In addition, to the cover stars, it includes Christine Holgate, Ash Barty, Charlee Fraser, Shareena Clanton, Ellie Cole, Emma McKeon, Chanel Contos, Priya Murugappan and the women of Biloela.
