It is officially the month of March, which means it’s time to celebrate Women’s History Month. From homemakers to CEOs, there is nothing that women can’t do. And these powerful women in leadership prove the very point.
From politics to science, business, art, and activism, these leaders have shown what women are capable of. Their impact in the world (especially the post-covid-19 world) is inspirational, to say the least.
Here are the 6 most powerful women in leadership in 2021.
Jacinda Ardern.
It’s not too often when you get to hear that a country has elected the world’s youngest Prime Minister. And it’s even rarer that the head of state is a woman. However, defying all odds, New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern became the world’s youngest prime minister after she was elected in 2017. Since then, she’s embarked on a journey to greatness.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ardern did what most countries haven’t been able to do till now, make everything go back to normal. From banning assault weapons to saving the country’s economy, Jacinda Ardern is indeed one of the most powerful women in leadership.
Özlem Türeci.
In 2008, Özlem Türeci co-founded BioNTech with her husband Uğur Şahin. Together, the scientist/physician and oncologist duo were on the quest of developing a cure for cancer. However, it was back when coronavirus wasn’t a threat to humanity.
Özlem Türeci along with her team of experts developed a vaccine against COVID-19 from a partnership with Pfizer. The vaccine that was 95% effective against the virus was approved by the World Health Organization. The German entrepreneur and scientist were able to develop the vaccine in just 11 months. Thus, becoming one of the most powerful women in leadership in 2021.
Kamala Harris.
Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President of the United States in 2021. But this wasn’t the first time she was named the first of something. Along with the first female, she was the first person of color to hold the position.
She was the first Black person elected as the Attorney General of California in 2010. And also the first South Asian American elected to the Senate in 2016.
Her speech of her mother’s words, “you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you’re not the last,” has inspired girls not just in the US but all over the world. And made Harris one of the most powerful women in leadership.
Shani Dhanda.
While the world mostly shuns the people with disability, people like Shani Dhanda reminds us the power people with disability possess. The 33-year-old award-winning disability specialist is one of the UK’s most influential people with disabilities. She is a disability rights activist, speaker, and entrepreneur.
Born with Brittle Bones Disease, a genetic bone disorder, Dhanda is the founder of The Diversability Card. It is UK’s first official discount card for disabled people. She launched the card intending to reduce financial pressure for disabled people and their families. With the help of the card, people can save up to $450 extra living costs per month.
Gülsüm Kav.
Gender-based violence is a prevalent issue going around in the world for ages. And one of the most prominent examples of it is “Femicide”. Femicide, also known as “the intentional killing of women or girls by men just because they’re female,” is one of the biggest sex-based hate crimes in the world. And it is heavily practiced in Turkey, Gülsüm Kav’s native land.
Gülsüm Kav is a doctor, writer, and feminist activist from Turkey who co-founded We Will Stop Femicide Platform. In an attempt to stop femicide and other forms of violence against women, Kav has been actively involved in fighting for women’s rights in Turkey. Even when the conservative Turkish government is mostly against her, this powerful woman leader provides treatments and creates resources for the survivors.
Shemara Wikramanayake.
It’s a proven fact that the earth desperately needs saving from climate change. Despite people ignoring the signs, denying the truth, and not making any effort, global warming still exists. And human beings are the ones to blame for this phenomenon.
Big companies are usually more responsible for the decline in the earth’s climate. Yet they’re not taking any action. However, when Shemara Wikramanayake became the CEO of Macquarie Group, she was sure to let everyone know that the future is sustainable.
Macquire Group, an already successful global financial services group, under Wikramanayake became linear towards renewable, more climate-resilient investments. She became Australia’s first female highest-paid CEO making A$18 million a year. Apart from that, she also became the Australian government advisor on green technology investment and a member of the UN’s Climate Finance Leadership Initiative.
Also Read: Top 5 Richest Women In The World
