Zimbabwe is a beautiful country in Southern Africa, which in the past decade has been through a lot of devastating changes, leaving its people broken and uncertain of what tomorrow would bring. But today it is a country that is fighting for change, working hard to stand tall for the sake of its children. Below are some women who have done Zimbabwe proud, nationally, regionally and internationally. Women who with their beauty, their passion and determination have shown the world that Zimbabwe will rise from the ashes like a phoenix. Like the definition of its name, dzimba- dza-mabwe (houses of stone) — stone by stone they shall retain their full glory. So without further ado, ElleAfrique presents Zimbabwe’s Top 40 Hot, Brainy and Influential Women*!

40.Grace Mugabe – First Lady

39. Rudo Chigudu – Activist

38. Malaika Mushandu – Miss Zimbabwe 2011

37. Lolo – Fashionista and Blogger on Lolo’s Kloset

36. Tinashe Jorgenson Kachingwe – Actress

35. Rumbidzai Dube – Lawyer, Gender Activist

34. Rumbi Katedza – Filmmaker

33.Teurai Chanakira – Model and Founder of the Elizabeth Chanakira Cancer Trust

32. Liseli Madiri – Miss Teen Zimbabwe

31.  Novuyo Rosa Tshuma – Author

30. Dr Rudo Makunike – Pediatric Patholist

29. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda – Gender Activist

28. NoViolet Bulawayo – Author

27. Benu Mabhena – Actress

26. Netsayi Chigwendere – Singer

25. Betty Makoni – Gender activist

24. Eska Mtungwazi – Songwriter and producer

23. Greatmore Chatya – Model

22. Chipo Chung – Actress

21. Chiwoniso Maraire – Singer

20. Gamuchirai Nhengu – Singer

19. Pokello Nare – Socialite and entrepreneur

18. Fungai Machirori – Poet and Founder of HerZimbabwe

17. Cara Black – Tennis Player

16. Stella Chiweshe – Queen of Mbira

15. Divine Ndhlukula – Founder of Securico

14. Shereen Essof – Feminist, Activist and Academic

13. Hope Masike – Traditional Musician (Mbira Player)

12. Dr Tererai Trent – Academic, Motivation Speaker

11. Prudence Mabhena – Singer and Activist

10. Tsitsi Dangarembga – Author and Film Producer

9. Danai Gurira – Actress

8. Makosi Musambasi – Model and TV Presenter

7. Joice Mujuru – Vice President

6. Farai Gundan – Entrepreneur

5. Nyasha Matonhodze – Model

4. Thokozani Khupe – Deputy Prime Minister

3. Thandie Newton – Actress

2. Kirsty Coventry – Olympic Gold Medalist

1. Shingai Shoniwa – The Noisettes lead singer

We have changed the name of the Top 40 Series from Hot, Sexy and Brainy to Hot, Brainy and Influential.