The Week That Was: Global Women Empowerment News Overview

There has been a significant movement in the status of women in leadership roles in recent years. Women are increasingly taking up leadership positions in fields such as politics, business, academia, and the charity sector. They take an active part in the establishment of policies and governance in politics, which aids in the advancement of gender equality. The benefits of diverse leadership are becoming more generally acknowledged as more women occupy roles as CEOs, board members, and executives in the business sector.

Female-owned companies and enterprises are on the rise, owing to the support of networks that help them succeed. Women are making their mark in academia as well, serving as university presidents, deans, and department heads, as well as making significant contributions to teaching and research. In the philanthropic sector, women play a vital role in addressing societal issues. Despite the continuation of gender bias and financial disparities, organizations and advocacy groups are working tirelessly to assist women in leadership by removing barriers and creating welcoming environments.

Have a look at The Global Woman Leader website for the female leaders' achievements.

Meg Lanning Retires from International Cricket

Australian women's cricket captain Meg Lanning, called the "Megastar" for her spectacular career, announced her retirement from international cricket on November 8 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The 31-year-old, who has led Australia to unparalleled success, including four Twenty20 World Cup championships, a 50-over World Cup victory, and a Commonwealth Games gold medal, has stated that she believes she has "nothing left to achieve" on the international scene.

Serena Williams is First Athlete to be Named CFDA Fashion Icon

Serena Williams made history on November 6, when she was named "Fashion Icon" by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), becoming the first athlete to earn this coveted honour. The CFDA, which is recognized for honouring and encouraging excellence in fashion, honoured Williams at a glittering event at New York's American Museum of Natural History.

Kim Kardashian, reality TV personality and fashion mogul, presented Williams with the 2023 CFDA Fashion Icon Award. The tennis star attended the event in a gorgeous black sequined gown designed by CFDA Chairman Thom Browne. The event was attended by celebrities from the entertainment and fashion industries.

Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd Resigns

Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd is stepping down from the dating app she co-founded in 2014. This decision follows a substantial drop in Bumble's stock price, which has dropped by 83% from its initial public offering over two years ago. Whitney Wolfe Herd will take over as executive chair, concentrating on strategic thinking, while Lidiane Jones, the current CEO of workplace messaging app Slack, will take over as CEO of Bumble in January.

Bumble sprang to prominence as a dating app that encouraged women to initiate contact, setting it apart from other platforms beset with unwanted messages. However, the whole online dating business, including Bumble, is challenged to persuade users to spend in dating applications amid difficult economic times, which affects both Bumble and rival Match Group.

Indian Actor Radhika Madan Joins Tallinn Film Festival Jury

Radhika Madan, the immensely brilliant Indian actress, has been chosen as a member of the jury for the famous Tallinn Film Festival, making her the first Indian actress to occupy this coveted position.

This incredible success is all the more astonishing because Radhika Madan attended the same festival just a year ago, where her film "Sanaa" was included during the 26th edition of the Black Nights Film Festival. 

First Tamil Canadian Woman Recognized for STEM Leadership

Woman and Gender Equality (WAGE) Canada honoured Dr. Melanie Ratnam during Women's History Month in October 2023, making her the first Tamil Canadian woman to win this distinguished distinction. "Through Her Lens: Celebrating the Diversity of Women," this year's WAGE theme, honoured the accomplishments of eleven extraordinary Canadian women from varied origins who are actively changing the future and encouraging inclusion.

Dr. Melanie’s extraordinary journey is profoundly entrenched in Scarborough, where she was raised and still lives. She earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Toronto and focused her study to understanding the control of inflammation by microglia, which are resident immune cells in the brain, following cerebral ischemia.