Owensboro native Hadley Duvall — a survivor of sexual assault and national advocate for women’s rights — has been named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year.
A total of 61 women were named to the list, with Duvall being named Kentucky’s Woman of the Year by the publication.
“We are proud to introduce USA TODAY’s 2025 Women of the Year, 61 women across the country inspiring the next generation. They are breaking barriers and pushing for change. They are making our communities better,” the USA Today story about the winners reads. “… The stories they shared with us are both personal and universal. Many have overcome challenges to make a difference for others. In short, the stories they share are those of women across our country.”
Owensboro Times was unable to reach Duvall for comment. In an Instagram post on February 28, Duvall said it was an incredible honor to receive the recognition.
“I am so thankful for my community, I couldn’t continue this fight without all the love and support I receive. I am truly so grateful,” part of her Instagram post reads. “This journey has been anything but easy and I will be healing forever, but it has been so worth it. If I can do it, SO CAN YOU. Take that leap. There were many days during childhood that I wasn’t sure if anyone would ever hear my truth, so to everyone who has listened, shared, and even found their own power… Thank you. This is because of you.”
Duvall first publicly shared her story in 2022, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. A year later, her story gained national attention when she was featured in Gov. Andy Beshear’s campaign ad.
Owensboro Times wrote about Duvall’s initial steps to becoming a women’s rights advocate in early 2024. At the time, Duvall described how she grew up enduring sexual abuse, saying it started when she was 5 years old. At age 12, Duvall was impregnated by her stepfather, who is now serving 20 years in prison for his crimes against her. Duvall miscarried before she had to decide if she would keep the pregnancy.
At the time, Duvall would have had an option on whether or not to terminate the pregnancy; she said she wouldn’t have that same option today. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a trigger law that had been previously approved in Kentucky instantly placed a ban on abortions with the lone exception being when the mother’s life is at risk.
That’s what ultimately led Duvall to share her story with the world. Following her help with the Beshear campaign, Duvall went on to be featured in a similar ad for the Biden-Harris campaign. Now, she’s joined the efforts of the Harris-Walz campaign, making appearances across the country. She also spoke at the Democratic National Convention, where she spoke about the lack of options since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
In October 2024, Duvall was named one of Glamour magazine’s Women of the Year.
