A former female member of Japan's Ground Self -Defense Force has been chosen by U.S. magazine Time for its list of 100 rising stars.

Gonoi Rina went public about suffering sexual abuse by multiple male colleagues in her unit.

Time selected her for the “advocates” category.

The magazine says Gonoi's move pushed officials to launch a larger investigation into harassment within the forces and prompted other women to come forward.

It says her courage has “kicked the door open for all survivors.”

Gonoi said in a statement that she is grateful that her actions have won recognition and that will empower her to carry on.