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6 Of The Best TED Talks By Women (For Women)

Dolly Parton said, “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one". And who are we to disagree?

So in the interests of bettering ourselves and those in our community we've compiled out favourite TED talks by women. Carve out a bit of time, put the kettle on, and get watching.

Rachel Botsman: The case for collaborative consumption

In her talk, Rachel Botsman says we're "wired to share" — and shows how websites like Zipcar and Swaptree are changing the rules of human behaviour.

We've been singing the praises of the sharing economy for a while now. What better way to foster community, lower your carbon footprint, and get access to almost anything you could want! A great talk for anyone who loves little free libraries!

If you liked this talk, then read: Four ways to foster climate consciousness in your community

Dame Stephanie Shirley: Why do ambitious women have flat heads?

Dame Stephanie Shirley is the most successful tech entrepreneur you never heard of. In the 1960s, she founded a pioneering all-woman software company in the UK, which was ultimately valued at $3 billion, making millionaires of 70 of her team members. In this frank and often hilarious talk, she explains why she went by "Steve," how she upended the expectations of the time, and shares some sure-fire ways to identify ambitious women …

If you liked this talk, then read: Why women are the most powerful agents for change

Sylvia Earle: My wish: Protect our oceans

Legendary ocean researcher Sylvia Earle shares astonishing images of the ocean — and shocking stats about its rapid decline — as she makes her TED Prize wish: that we will join her in protecting the vital blue heart of the planet.

With the Great Barrier Reef in crisis, and the fact that soon there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean, this talk couldn't have come at a better time.

If you liked this talk, then read: The three biggest threats to the ocean, and how you can help.

Clara Vuletich: How to Engage with Ethical Fashion

What do you know about the clothes in your wardrobe? About the clothes that you're wearing right now? Clara Vuletich works with some of the biggest brands in the world to help them ask the right questions about where the clothes that we wear come from.

The fashion industry is second only behind oil in its polluting power. Fast fashion chains like Zara and H & M receive new stock every day and often purchase clothing lines be weight rather than per piece. Because of the this sheer volume and the creation of fashion micro-seasons we are tossing more clothing than ever!

If you liked this talk, then read: A beginners guide to dressing ethically

Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability

Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, and love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share.

If you liked this talk, then read: lessons learnt from a 75 yearlong study on happiness

Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg looks at why a smaller percentage of women than men reach the top of their professions — and offers 3 powerful pieces of advice to women aiming for the C-suite.

According to the Los Angeles Times , "The Institute for Women's Policy Research found women are less likely than men to support environmental spending cuts and are less sympathetic to business when it comes to environmental regulation. They also have more positive feelings about environmental activists and are concerned about environmental risks to health, especially locally."

Not only that, we represent half of the population, so equal representation just makes sense!

If you liked this talk, then read: Meet the woman that took on Canada's oil companies and won!

Read this next: Everything you wanted to know about wearing menstrual underwear


Bindi Donnelly Former Head of Digital Suggest an article Send us an email