Environmental activist Greta Thunberg and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern are among the global role models inspiring Australian women and girls to become leaders.
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A recent survey found that 91 per cent of females want to achieve positions to help influence social change, but aren't confident they can do it.
A report published on Friday by Plan International Australia says a survey of 1460 females found that they don't just look to their mothers for inspiration.
Swedish teenager Greta, Ms Ardern, Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai and actress Emma Watson are their top role models, the research found.
More than half - 53 per cent - of the respondents said climate change was their main concern, with violence against women, gender inequality and poverty among their other considerations.
One in three females' biggest wish was to have equality for girls across the globe.
Plan International Australia chief executive Susanne Legena said the findings had been released to celebrate International Day of the Girl on Friday.
"We've seen extraordinary girls and young women everywhere rising up and taking charge of their futures," she said in a statement.
"For every Greta and every Malala, there are hundreds of fearless girl activists in the developing world doing extraordinary work every day to combat child marriage, child trafficking, teen pregnancy and violence."
Plan International Australia has launched a fundraising campaign to support girls in the developing world to overcome the barriers which prevent them from being leaders.
Australian Associated Press
