Empowerment Icons: Meet the 5 Most Inspirational Women of 2023!

As we prepare to bid farewell to 2023, let's pause for a moment to celebrate and commend the remarkable achievements of some trailblazing women who exhibited tremendous grit and determination throughout the year, achieving something truly phenomenal.

In addition to our universal tradition of recognizing the best movies, songs, books, and films, this year we've decided to incorporate a special list highlighting inspirational women achievers. Let's begin!

1. Anshula Kant

Source: X.com

Anshula Kant, 63, has reached new heights in her career as the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of the World Bank Group. Previously serving as the CFO and MD of the State Bank of India (SBI), she now oversees operations on a global scale, managing offices in 130 locations and addressing the needs of 189 countries.

The World Bank focuses on alleviating poverty by providing financial assistance to middle-income and low-income countries. Under Anshula Kant's leadership, the World Bank has committed $20.76 billion to 103 projects spanning 885 locations in India. Notably, the largest loan this year, amounting to $1 billion, supports India's Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. This funding aims to enhance public healthcare infrastructure nationwide, with a special focus on health service delivery in seven states: Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. Specifically, $500 million is allocated for the Public Health Systems for Pandemic Preparedness Program, while another half a billion will contribute to the Enhanced Health Service Delivery Program.

In addition to her responsibilities within India, Anshula Kant faces the challenging task of raising funds for the World Bank, which annually mobilises around $50 billion for lending to middle-income countries through AAA bonds. Juggling this dual role, Kant embraces a tough mission with the anticipation of achieving positive outcomes.

2. Madhabi Puri Buch

Source: Business Standard

Change is often considered the only constant, and Madhabi Puri Buch exemplifies this notion, particularly within the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), the markets regulator. Stepping into Sebi's leadership position about a year ago, Buch instigated a significant cultural shift within the regulatory body.

Buch, who assumed the role of Sebi's first female chief on March 2, 2022, began her tenure by steering the regulator towards a more "developmental and facilitative" approach within six months. Celebrating her one-year anniversary on March 2, Buch has spearheaded crucial initiatives, including the review and enhancement of outdated laws established decades ago. Norms related to buybacks, the role of mutual fund trustees, alternative investment funds (AIFs), public issues, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and investor grievance redressal mechanisms have been either reviewed and updated or are presently under examination.

Under her guidance, the Indian stock markets experienced a rapid transition, becoming one of the world's fastest in terms of settlement with the introduction of the T+1 settlement mechanism in January. Demonstrating agility, Buch promptly adjusted and tightened the regulatory framework for public issues following concerns raised by a series of initial public offerings (IPOs), particularly those from the startup sector, necessitating swift resolution.

3. Devika Bulchandani

Source: Forbes India

In advertising circles, she goes by "Dev," a fitting moniker in an industry that values brevity. Devika Bulchandani, a distinguished marketer, leads with passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to making an impact. As the Global CEO of Ogilvy, she oversees all aspects of the creative network's business, spanning Advertising, PR, Consulting, and Health across 131 offices in 93 countries.

Dev's leadership is characterised by a belief in the transformative power of creativity to effect positive change in society. Her most significant achievements lie at the intersection of championing social causes and building brands for clients. Notably, she played a pivotal role in Mastercard's enduring 'Priceless' campaign and the groundbreaking 'True Name' feature launched in 2019. This innovative feature empowers transgender and non-binary individuals to display their chosen name on their Mastercard.

Renowned for ideas that resonate with the cultural zeitgeist, Dev also contributed to the launch of 'Fearless Girl,' an iconic symbol of women's equality. This campaign not only gained widespread adoration but also earned its place as one of the most awarded campaigns in the history of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

4. Arati Kumar-Rao 

Source: Arati Kumar Rao's LinkedIn Handle

Arati Kumaro-Rao, an environmental photographer, writer, and National Geographic Explorer, dedicates her work to capturing the profound impacts of environmental degradation. Spanning across South Asia, she meticulously documents the evolving landscapes shaped by the forces of climate change. Her lens focuses on the stark realities of diminishing groundwater, habitat destruction, and land acquisition for industrial purposes, illustrating the devastating toll on biodiversity and the contraction of communal lands. This destructive process displaces millions and propels various species toward the brink of extinction.

Over the course of a decade, Kumar-Rao has traversed the Indian subcontinent, unveiling compelling stories that underscore the far-reaching consequences of environmental decline on both livelihoods and biodiversity. Her narratives serve as poignant reminders of the urgent need for environmental stewardship.

In her book, "Marginlands: India's Landscapes on the Brink," Kumar-Rao encapsulates the poignant experiences of those residing in India's most challenging and imperilled environments. Through her powerful storytelling and visual documentation, she sheds light on the critical intersection of humanity and the environment, prompting reflection and action to address the pressing issues at hand.

5. Harmanpreet Kaur 

Source: India Times

In a historic achievement, Harmanpreet Kaur secured her place as the first Indian woman to be honored as one of Wisden's five Cricketers of the Year this year. As the captain of the India women's national cricket team, Harmanpreet is a standout performer on both home turf and in international matches. Her leadership prowess shone brightly last year when she led the team to a remarkable silver-medal finish at the Commonwealth Games.

Not only excelling on the international stage, but Harmanpreet also showcased her leadership skills in domestic cricket by guiding the Mumbai Indians to victory in the inaugural Women's Premier League in March.

A pinnacle in her career unfolded in 2017, etching her name in cricket history. During the Women's World Cup semi-final against Australia, Harmanpreet played a stellar innings, scoring 171 runs off 115 balls. This exceptional performance not only became a career highlight but also played a pivotal role in propelling India into the final, showcasing her as a true cricketing luminary.

Final Thoughts

In celebrating the remarkable achievements of these five inspirational women in 2023, we are reminded that strength, resilience, and passion know no bounds. Each of these extraordinary individuals has left an indelible mark on their respective fields, inspiring us to reach for our own aspirations. As we navigate the currents of the year ahead, let their stories serve as a beacon of empowerment, propelling us to embrace challenges with grace and determination. The world is richer with the contributions of these trailblazers, and may their journeys continue to ignite the flames of inspiration for all of us in the days to come.