A teenage novelist from Tokoroa is representing New Zealand on the world stage, being recognised for her innovation in youth literature.
Rutendo Shadaya, 16, has been named as one of 10 people featured in TIME's first-ever 'Girls of the Year' list, celebrating young leaders making meaningful contributions in health, science, sports, arts and more.
Zimbabwean-New Zealander Rutendo wrote her first novel at the age of nine, as a gift to her best friend. Her parents, recognising the research and hard work she put into the project, helped her self-publish and market her work. Now at age 16, she has two self-published fantasy titles to her name.
She hopes young women who read her writing will take inspiration from the main character, Rachel.
“I also want to be like her in a way," she said.
"I want more young girls who read it to be inspired by the way she copes, by the way she challenges."
Rutendo says writing has boosted her confidence, as well as allowing her to speak to youth communities at conferences and through interviews. She's keen to encourage young people - particularly women - to write.
Other honorees on the list include a 15-year-old Olympic gold-medalist from Japan, a 17-year-old biotech innovator from Poland, and a 12-year-old engineer tackling homelessness in the UK.
“These girls are part of a generation that's reshaping what leadership looks like today," TIME editor Dayan Sarkisova said.
"Their generation understands that change doesn't require waiting for adulthood - it starts with seeing problems and refusing to accept them as permanent."
In collaboration with LEGO, which partnered in making the list, TIME created a limited edition magazine cover reimagining the 'Girls of the Year' as LEGO minifigures.
What an epic achievement for Rutendo and all the other inspiring young women on the list - we couldn't be prouder!
