As we look back at 2022, it’s hard not to be inspired by the incredible women who have changed the world. From innovators to activists, these female trailblazers have broken down barriers and paved the way for a brighter future. Despite living in a year filled with uncertainty, these women rose to the challenge and made their mark on history.
In 2022, several remarkable women impacted the world in big and small ways. From pushing boundaries in science and medicine to leading social justice movements, these women have changed the course of history and will continue to inspire generations of change-makers. Here, we look at just a few inspiring female figures who had an indelible mark on 2022: their courage and determination set an example for others to follow.
2020 was an unprecedented year that saw incredible strides in women’s rights and progress toward gender equality. Yet, the efforts of many female trailblazers can sometimes go unrecognized. This article explores five remarkable women from 2022 who have made significant contributions to the world and have changed it for the better. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to championing human rights, these inspiring leaders have pushed for positive change in their respective fields and beyond.
One such brave woman is Dr. Jinliang Wang, who was recently appointed as the youngest chancellor in China’s history at just 29 years old. She has overcome numerous obstacles to get where she is today and exemplifies what it takes to succeed despite adversity. Another inspiring figure is Chandra Fraser-Smith, who founded her global consulting firm at 25 despite having no previous experience or contacts within the industry.
In 2022, a myriad of women across the globe had an immense impact on their local communities and beyond. From celebrities to activists, philanthropists to businesswomen, these inspiring figures made a difference in countless lives.
One such woman is Malala Yousafzai, an education advocate from Pakistan who founded the Malala Fund and was named a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate in 2014 for promoting girls’ access to education. She has used her platform to speak out against gender discrimination and violence toward children worldwide. Her advocacy has led to numerous nations taking action toward increasing girls’ access to educational opportunities.
Another influential figure is Meena Harris, an attorney, and entrepreneur from San Francisco who launched the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign in 2020 to celebrate female empowerment and amplify marginalized voices.
The 2022 Top 25 Women of Influence recipients were recently announced, and the list includes many remarkable women who are making a positive impact in their respective fields. These women have achieved incredible success, from authors to athletes, and helped improve the world.
The first woman on the list is Emma Watson, an actress, and activist best known for her roles in Harry Potter and The Bling Ring. In addition to her award-winning acting career, she has been actively advocating for gender equality through her work as a UN Goodwill Ambassador. She has also championed other vital causes, such as sustainable fashion and education access.
Another recipient is Dr. Jane Goodall, an anthropologist dedicated to animal conservation and environmental protection efforts worldwide.
Dr. Jill Biden,
First Lady of the United States
Dr. Jill Biden is an inspiring woman who has been instrumental in many facets of the U.S. government and its citizens’ lives for decades. A former English professor, Dr. Biden entered the national spotlight as First Lady of the United States when her husband, President Joe Biden, was inaugurated in 2021 after campaigning to strengthen families and communities through education and economic opportunity.
Dr. Biden took center stage during her time as First Lady to advocate for various issues impacting women and families across the nation, from healthcare access to increasing funding for public schools to improving educational opportunities for under-served populations. She also has regularly worked with military families through initiatives such as Joining Forces, which provides support to service members and their families. At the same time, they serve our country abroad or at home. In addition to her advocacy work, Dr.
Ms. Kamala Harris
US vice president
Ms. Kamala Harris is the current Vice President of the United States and a pioneering politician who has made history for her groundbreaking role in the highest office. Before being sworn in as the first woman, African American and South Asian American to serve as vice president, Ms. Harris had an impressive career in public service as a lawyer, lawmaker, and district attorney.
As a senator representing California from 2017 to 2021, she worked closely on issues such as climate change, civil rights, criminal justice reform, and immigration enforcement. As vice president, she is pushing forward significant policy initiatives related to healthcare access and economic relief for those affected by COVID-19. Additionally, she is working on important legislation surrounding racial equity and environmental justice, among other pressing issues facing our nation today.
Angela Merkel
German Vice Chancellor
German Vice Chancellor Angela Merkel has significantly influenced and inspired women worldwide. She is the first female chancellor of Germany and holds the record of being in power longer than any other European leader. Merkel has shattered expectations and broken down gender barriers during her tenure. From her stance on immigration to her economic policies, she has implemented reforms that have put Germany on track to becoming an even more prosperous nation.
In addition to being a successful politician and leader, Ms. Merkel advocates for women’s rights across many areas. She supports equal pay and parental leave policies and encourages initiatives that promote diversity in government positions. In 2015, she took part in a march against sexual violence toward women and, since then, has continued to be vocal about the need for more excellent protection of women’s rights both domestically and abroad.
Greta Thunberg
Climate Activist
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist who has become an international climate change awareness and activism icon. At age 15, she began her campaign to raise global awareness about the climate crisis. She first gained widespread recognition when she organized a solo school strike outside the Swedish Parliament in 2018. Since then, Greta has been a leader in global climate action, speaking at major events such as the United Nations Climate Change Conferences and giving TED talks on environmental sustainability. In 2019, Time Magazine named her Person of the Year, and she was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. In 2020, Greta launched “Fridays for Future,” which coordinates student-led demonstrations worldwide to urge leaders to take action on climate change.
Ava Hooper
Ms. Hooper is a 20-year-old climate activist leading global movements to encourage governments and corporations to take meaningful action on reducing carbon emissions. She has addressed audiences at the United Nations General Assembly and other high-level forums, inspiring millions with her dedication and passion for creating a more sustainable future.
Maddie Parker
Ms. Parker is a 19-year-old entrepreneur who founded an innovative biotech company while still in college. Her company focuses on developing technologies to address global health challenges such as malaria, AIDS, and cancer research. She has received numerous awards for her work and has spoken at international conferences about harnessing technology for social good. She was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time Magazine in 2010 and is a member of the Social Entrepreneurship Council at the University of Pennsylvania.
Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister of New Zealand
Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, strongly advocates for women’s rights and gender equality. She has made significant contributions to advancing the status of women in her country since taking office in 2017. Ardern was the third woman to lead a New Zealand government, and she is passionate about ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunities regardless of their gender or background.
Ms. Ardern has enacted bold policies to empower female entrepreneurs and reduce pay gaps between genders. In addition, she has taken action to combat domestic violence by introducing stricter laws and establishing an inter-agency task force dedicated to addressing gender-based violence. Her commitment to promoting social justice has earned her international recognition as an inspiring leader for women worldwide.
Aymira Nadereh Chamlou
Former Senior Advisor for Economic Development and Chief Economist at the World Bank
Aymira Nadereh Chamlou is an Iranian economist and senior adviser to the World Bank Group. She has worked for economic development in Iran, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. Her impressive resume includes such achievements as being a member of the World Bank’s Inter-Regional Advisory Group on Gender Equality and helping to create economic growth strategies for countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
Ms. Chamlou has also been instrumental in introducing new laws that protect women’s rights in Iran; she was heavily involved in drafting legislation for gender equality that Iran’s Parliament approved in 2017. In addition to this impressive work, she has dedicated her life to advocating for gender equality globally through her involvement with programs like U.N. Women/EQUALS Global Partnership.
Ms. Aymira Chamlow has been instrumental in improving women’s access to economic opportunities throughout Asia. She worked with governments to implement policies that increased women’s workforce participation and promoted gender equality.
Sushmita Dev
Member of Parliament, India
Sushmita Dev is a Member of Parliament in India and a driving force for positive change. She was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2009 and has worked tirelessly to ensure that all citizens receive equal rights and opportunities regardless of gender or caste. Her efforts have been recognized at home and abroad, with Dev becoming the first Indian woman to be awarded the United Nations Social Good Award in 2018.
Dev has championed women’s rights throughout her career, advocating for more excellent representation of women in politics and equality in access to education, health care, employment opportunities, and more. She also works closely with grassroots organizations such as Apne Aap Women Worldwide to raise awareness about human trafficking and educate victims on their legal rights.
Asma Jahangir
Human rights lawyer
Asma Jahangir was a Pakistani human rights lawyer, social activist, and vocal advocate of democracy. She fought for the rights of religious minorities and women in Pakistan and championed the cause of those persecuted by oppressive regimes. Ms. Jahangir co-founded the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), which aimed to protect human rights, including labor rights, minority rights, freedom of expression, and women’s access to justice. In 2012 she was awarded the Right Livelihood Award for “her tireless work” on behalf of oppressed individuals and communities across South Asia. In 2007 she founded AGHS Legal Aid Cell, which provided legal aid to marginalized people regardless of religion or gender.
Ketanji Brown Jackson
Ketanji Brown Jackson is a powerful and inspiring figure who is quickly becoming recognized for her incredible accomplishments in the legal field. After graduating from Harvard Law School, she served as a federal public defender. Eventually, she worked as a judge on the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., where she presided over cases involving sentencing guidelines, civil rights, financial fraud, and other matters of national importance.
Francesca Bellettini
CEO, Yves Saint Laurent
Francesca Bellettini is an Italian cultural leader who has changed the fashion world. Bellettini was appointed CEO of the luxury goods house Yves Saint Laurent in 2013, and since then, she has had an influential career managing the brand. She was named one of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in 2019 for her leadership in transforming YSL into an iconic global brand. She is credited with pushing for more inclusive sizing, gender-neutral clothing and launching a new generation of product lines tailored to young consumers. Ms. Bellettini is also known for her commitment to sustainability initiatives within YSL, including their “eco-friendly” scarf range made from recycled yarns and fabrics.
Jane Fraser
CEO, Citigroup
Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup, has been at the forefront of changing the world in 2022. Since taking over as CEO of Citigroup in February 2020, Fraser has ushered in a new era of diversity and inclusion with her commitment to gender equality. Through her initiatives and support of female leaders, she has been instrumental in creating an environment that is more welcoming and supportive for all employees.
Ms. Fraser’s most notable achievement was her appointment as the first female leader of a central U.S. bank when she became Citigroup’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She has also actively pushed for policies that promote better work-life balance and improved maternity leave benefits, which benefits men and women throughout the organization. In addition, Ms. Fraser is also devoted to providing financial education opportunities for underserved communities and those who are financially illiterate.
Karen Lynch
CEO, CVS Health
Karen Lynch, CEO of CVS Health, is one of the world’s most influential businesswomen. Since taking the helm in 2011, she has transformed the organization into a retail powerhouse with over 9,000 stores and over 250 million customers. Lynch has been credited for spearheading several groundbreaking initiatives at CVS, including its commitment to providing affordable health care to all Americans. She also championed initiatives such as expanding access to mental health services and introducing smoke-free policies in many of its stores. In addition to her work at CVS, Karen Lynch has built a reputation as a thought leader on healthcare policy reform. She is regularly invited to speak at major conferences around the globe and is often cited as an authoritative source on healthcare issues by both media outlets and politicians alike.
Sanna Marin
Prime Minister, Finland
In 2022, Sanna Marin became the Prime Minister of Finland and made history as the world’s youngest sitting head of government. She is a shining example of what can be achieved when talent and ambition are combined with hard work and dedication.
Ms. Marin rose to become City Council, transport minister, finance minister, and prime minister. During her tenure as prime minister, Marin has worked to implement progressive reforms that have improved equality within Finland’s borders and across Europe. Ms. Marin is a symbol for young women everywhere that success is possible regardless of age or gender.
Adena Friedman
CEO, Nasdaq
Adena Friedman is the CEO of Nasdaq and an inspiration to many women worldwide. A financial powerhouse, Adena became the first female president of a major stock exchange in 2017 when she was appointed Nasdaq’s CEO. Under her leadership, Nasdaq has reached record revenue growth and market capitalization levels.
In addition to her success in business, Ms. Adena is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She created “The Nasdaq Gender Diversity Index,” which tracks companies with high percentages of women on their boards, making it easier for investors to identify firms proactively creating equal opportunities for women. Adena also launched “Reimagining Capitalism,” – an initiative focused on building a corporate culture where sustainability and social responsibility are essential components of business success.
Emily Penn
Founder of eXXpedition
In 2022, Emily Penn was a pioneer of change in the world. A British marine biologist and ocean advocate, Emily co-founded eXXpedition to address plastic pollution in our oceans. eXXpedition was an all-female sailing crew that circumnavigated the globe to research and raise awareness about microplastics in our oceans.
Ms. Penn leads two global voyages with her all-women teams, traveling over 38,000 miles to investigate plastic pollution levels along their route. Throughout their journey, they collected data on microplastics in various bodies of water and presented it at international conferences. The data from these trips were invaluable for understanding how global warming is affecting our oceans and helping us protect them for generations to come.
Francia Elena Márquez Mina
Vice-President, Colombia
Francia Elena Marquez Mina is a Colombian Vice-President who changed the world in 2022 by becoming the first female vice-president in Colombia’s history. She was born in Buenaventura and raised by her parents, both of whom were humble working people. As she grew up, Francia developed an interest in public service and political activism since she believed it was the best way to help her community grow economically and socially.
In 2017, she made history when she became Colombia’s first female governor of the Valle del Cauca department. During her term as governor, Francia championed issues related to gender equality, indigenous rights, and environmental conservation. In 2021 with wide popular support from citizens across Colombia, she was elected Vice President, where she has continued to serve as a strong advocate for women’s rights.
Mia Mottley
Prime minister, Barbados
Mia Mottley made history in 2018 when she was elected Prime Minister of Barbados, making her the first female to hold this position. As Prime Minister, Mottley has focused on improving the economy and infrastructure of Barbados, as well as reducing poverty and unemployment rates. In 2020, she launched an ambitious green energy initiative plan to reduce carbon emissions and move her country towards renewable energy sources.
Ms. Mottley has also sought to reduce crime levels within Barbados by encouraging young people to stay in school and pursue higher education. She created a range of scholarship programs and support services for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, allowing them to reach their full potential without facing financial pressures. Additionally, Mottley has worked hard to improve healthcare access for all citizens by increasing funding for public health systems.
These efforts have been widely praised both domestically and internationally.
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is an inspiring example of a woman who changed the world in 2022. She has been an outspoken advocate for girls’ education and women’s rights in her native Pakistan and worldwide. Despite being shot by the Taliban at age 15, she continued to speak out against the restrictions placed on girls seeking education. Her bravery and determination earned her a Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, making her one of the youngest-ever recipients of this prestigious award.
In 2021, Malala became one of the most influential figures in global education by launching The Malala Fund, aimed at fighting for every girl’s right to 12 years of free quality education. Through this initiative, she continues to empower young women across countries and cultures by providing them with quality learning opportunities supporting their ambitions toward leadership roles.
Serena Williams
Tennis player
Serena Williams is a tennis player who changed the world of sports in 2022. She has achieved amazing success, becoming one of the greatest athletes of all time. Known for her powerful serves and aggressive playing style, she holds an impressive 73 singles titles and 23 doubles titles.
Throughout her career, Williams has also advocated for gender equality in sports, speaking out against sexism and racism in the industry. Her advocacy has helped to break down barriers that restrict female athletes from achieving their full potential. She started a foundation dedicated to empowering young women to excel in sports, academics, and life skills education; it continues to provide resources to thousands of girls worldwide every year.
Williams’s influence does not stop there: she also uses her platform for activism on important issues like climate change and racial justice.
Sarina Wiegman
Head coach, England women’s football team
Sarina Wiegman made history in 2022 when she became the first female head coach of the England women’s football team. As a successful coach for teams such as Holland and Spain, she had already made waves in international soccer. Her appointment to lead England was a major milestone and victory for gender equality.
Under Wiegman’s leadership, the English women’s football team has achieved impressive results, reaching two consecutive semi-finals at the 2021 and 2022 World Cups, with their highest-ever finish in 2021. The team has also won back-to-back SheBelieves Cup titles under her guidance. Additionally, Wiegman has championed policies to increase opportunities for female coaches, ensuring more women can be represented in professional sports.
Tsitsi Dangarembga
Author and activist | Inspirational scribe
Tsitsi Dangarembga is an author and activist from Zimbabwe who has significantly impacted the world in 2022. She is best known for her inspiring novel, Nervous Conditions, which follows Tambudzai’s coming-of-age story against the backdrop of post-colonial conflict in her home country. The novel was hailed as a masterpiece upon its release and has since been used as a teaching tool in universities worldwide.
As an activist, Ms. Tsitsi has spoken out against gender inequality and violence against women, advocating for more equitable rights for both genders. In 2019 she founded the International Women’s Space Alliance to encourage collaboration among female leaders across Africa, helping them to form networks and support one another’s work. Her organization also educates people about their legal rights and access to resources.
Billie Eilish and Maggie Baird
Singer and her actress mom
Billie Eilish and Maggie Baird Singer are two women who have recently made an incredible impact on the music industry. Billie Eilish is a multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and artist who has taken the world by storm with her unique sound and captivating lyrics. In 2020 alone, she became the first artist born in this century to have four number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her mother, Maggie Baird Singer, is an actress who has appeared in television series such as Freaks & Geeks and Gilmore Girls.
Maggie Baird raises awareness of mental health issues and advocates for human rights worldwide. She has been outspoken about sexism in Hollywood due to her experiences as a female actor and director.
In 2022, Women have broken down barriers, spoken out against injustice, and made immense societal contributions. From leading powerful nations across the globe to establishing organizations that provide essential resources to those in need, their accomplishments have made them role models for generations. For this reason, it is important that we continue to honor and celebrate these remarkable women who have done so much for humanity. These are only a few women that I added to this post. However, countless women have continued to influence the world in positive ways, helping humanity, social justice, health, technology, etc. Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, and friends, countless of us have continued to make the world a better place. What are your thoughts on this article? Share them with us in the comment section below, please. I hope you enjoyed reading these women s stories and their inspirational quotes.
The year 2022 has been a remarkable one for women all over the world. Despite the struggles that many women have faced, there have been those who have broken through to make a lasting impact on society. From business moguls to scientists, activists, and politicians, these female visionaries inspire us with their courage and success. In 2022, the world saw a remarkable display of female leadership and progress. From achieving monumental goals in science to creating groundbreaking social movements, women have made an indelible impact on the world this year. Looking back at some of the most influential women of 2022, it is clear that these pioneering individuals have changed the course of history with their relentless efforts.
From leaders in business who are redefining corporate culture to scientists making revolutionary discoveries, these women have enormously influenced society. They have pushed boundaries and challenged gender roles while inspiring others to follow their example.
Thank you for reading and allowing me to write this incredible story. I hope this article helps and motivates you to keep stay inspired.
Be Kind, Do Good and Stay Inspired!
Source: Wikipedia, Women of the world
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