5 Influential women in music

Miley Cyrus 

Miley Cyrus seems to have wasted no time in her rise to fame, riches and charitable causes. Her youthful enthusiasm for contributing to the well-being of others has found a variety of outlets.

'The Happy Hippie Foundation' is a nonprofit organization founded by Miley Cyrus in 2014 and fights for the rights and welfare of homeless youth, the LGBTQ community, women's rights and other social justice issues that Miley Cyrus feels close to.

Lady Gaga

Two-time Grammy winner, songwriter, musician, and fashion artist, Lady Gaga is a creative “win-win” philanthropist, who throws the weight of her popularity behind donation projects.

“We want women to feel strong and feel strong enough that they can remember to protect themselves. To have this lipstick as a reminder in your purse, that when your man is laying naked in bed, you go into the bathroom, you put your lipstick on, and you bring a condom out with you…There are no exceptions.” – Lady Gaga, VIVA Glam campaign against AIDS and HIV

LIRA 

She ain't just a pretty face and voice, the decorated singing sensation launched her new social consciousness video U&I in partnership with the Southern African Trust. It is the theme song for the trust's Change4ever campaign, of which Lira is an ambassador. The campaign hopes to raise awareness and get the public actively involved in providing lasting solutions to poverty.

Beyoncé Knowles

The former Destiny’s Child soulstress – is not only one of the great survivors of the music industry, but also someone who cares deeply about people.

The list of charities she supports is both long and varied, but perhaps the greatest contribution she has made is the Survivor Foundation, an organization she founded with fellow Destiny’s Child Kelly Rowland to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. The foundation’s accomplishments are many, including the Music World Cares Christmas Carnival that enabled over 300 low-income households to enjoy a fun-filled day of food, entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus and free toys from the toy giveaway. The singer also held a series of food drives before her concerts in 2006 to collect the food that was so desperately needed by victims.

Alicia Keys 

Alicia Keys is the ambassador for Keep A Child Alive, and has travelled to countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. While she was there she spoke to teens and young adults who’ve lost their parents to AIDS and are now the heads of their own households.

Keys was also the musical director for the 2006 Keep A Child Alive Charity Gala, and offered a private concert as a prize in an auction to benefit the charity.