Say It Louder: The Women Who Refuse to Be Silenced

In a world that often tells women to be quiet, to shrink, to be ‘nice’, there are those who refuse. They raise their voices, challenge the status quo, and demand to be heard. And when they do, the world changes.

You might think we’re all about the flowers, but at the heart of Interflora is something much deeper. We believe in the power of saying more – of expressing how you truly feel, of standing up and speaking out. It’s why our florists craft bouquets that don’t just sit pretty, but say something real. And this season, we’re celebrating the women who use their voices to spark change, break barriers, and inspire others to do the same.

Because here’s the stark reality: too many women still hold back.

• 23% don’t feel confident speaking up about personal situations, causes, or opinions

• 43% worry they won’t be believed

• 40% are afraid of being trolled

• Almost a quarter (24%) fear being labelled ‘outspoken’

But here’s the good news: when one woman speaks up, she paves the way for others. So much so that 93% say seeing another woman raise their voice gives them the courage to do the same. So, let’s turn up the volume!

In this blog, we’re sharing the fearless, outspoken, and game-changing women who have made a BIG impact by saying more.

Brilliantly Outspoken Women

Bold. Unapologetic. Unforgettable. Meet the women who are changing the world by refusing to be silenced.

Better known as The Slumflower, Chidera Eggerue sparked the #SaggyBoobsMatter movement, challenging society’s unrealistic beauty expectations. Through her books, speaking engagements, and powerful social media presence, she encourages women to embrace their natural bodies and reject harmful standards.

Emily Atack – Speaking Out on Online Harassment & Women’s Safety

“I want to use my platform to speak out about the things that matter, to help women feel empowered and less alone.”

Actress, comedian, and TV personality Emily Atack has been fearless in addressing the online sexual harassment that so many women experience daily. Her documentary Emily Atack: Asking for It? exposed the relentless abuse she receives, challenging society to take misogyny more seriously. Her work has ignited national conversations and pushed for stronger cyber abuse protections.

Amika George – Fighting for Period Dignity

“Periods never stopped a man from getting an education. They shouldn’t stop a girl either.”

At just 17, Amika George launched the #FreePeriods campaign, determined to tackle period poverty and ensure menstrual products were free in UK schools. Her relentless campaigning led to a historic government policy change, proving that young voices can create real impact.

With her unwavering speeches to world leaders, Greta Thunberg has transformed climate activism. She refuses to sugarcoat the reality of the climate crisis, using her voice to demand accountability on a global scale.

June Eric-Udorie – Amplifying Feminism in Education

“For some reason, it seems to take a lot more for women of colour to be taken seriously.”

June Eric-Udorie successfully campaigned for feminism to be added to the UK A-level politics curriculum. An outspoken writer and activist, she has also worked to end female genital mutilation (FGM) and continues to challenge race and gender inequality.

Jameela Jamil – Smashing Diet Culture & Toxic Beauty Standards

“I want to be remembered for my mind, not my body.”

Actress and activist Jameela Jamil has been outspoken against body shaming and diet culture, founding the I Weigh movement to promote self-worth beyond appearance. She has consistently called out the media and influencers for their role in harmful beauty messaging.

Better known as Mother Pukka, Anna Whitehouse has led the campaign for flexible working rights, advocating for policies that allow parents to balance their careers and family life. She has spoken out in media and government settings, making flexible work a national discussion.

Laura Bates – Exposing Everyday Sexism

“Sexism doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It exists because we allow it to.”

Founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, Laura Bates has spent years collecting and sharing women’s experiences of sexism, proving how pervasive gender inequality remains. Her work has led to major conversations about harassment, workplace discrimination, and consent.

Michaela Coel – Speaking Out on Race & Sexual Assault

“Do not be afraid to disappear, from it, from us, for a while and see what comes to you in the silence.”

Writer and actor Michaela Coel used her own experience to create I May Destroy You, a groundbreaking series about consent, race, and exploitation. Her powerful speeches and interviews have sparked vital discussions about the entertainment industry and beyond.

French activist Gisele Pelicot has been a powerful voice for survivors of abuse, working to ensure the burden of shame is placed on perpetrators, not victims. Her incredible bravery and passionate advocacy has played a significant role in shifting societal attitudes toward accountability.

Joeli Brearley – Protecting Pregnant Women’s Rights

“Having children should not mean losing your career.”

Founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, Joeli Brearley has fiercely advocated for workplace protections for pregnant women and mothers. She speaks out against maternity discrimination, ensuring that having children doesn’t mean sacrificing a career.

Taylor Swift – Reclaiming Her Own Story

“I want to be defined by the things that I love, not the things I hate.”

Through her music, speeches, and legal battles, Taylor Swift has fought for artists' rights, gender equality, and control over her own work, inspiring women everywhere to take ownership of their voices.

Heidi Crowter is a fearless disability rights campaigner, fighting against laws that discriminate against people with Down’s syndrome. Her work challenges societal perceptions and demands equal rights for all.

Say More, Change More

These women prove one thing: when we speak up, we shake things up. When we challenge, we change. When we share our truth, we give others the courage to share theirs too.