Europe Special - 2024

Women leaders are breaking the cement ceiling in Europe's construction and infrastructure sectors. They are offering visions, expertise, and determination in this traditionally male-dominated industry; driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness are these women's huge influences on key decisions affecting the development of cities, transportation, and objectives in the environment. Their leadership is promoting the growth of Europe's infrastructure in full swing but is also opening up more diverse, equitable workplaces, inspiring new generations of women to pursue careers in this vital and dynamic field.

Female surgeons in France are making significant strides in what is notably a men-dominated field. Women lead in many areas of medical specialization, from general surgery to high-level specialization as neurosurgery, cardiology, and orthopedics. French women surgeons are increasingly delivering their presence in hospitals, academic institutions, and medical research. They not only excel in patient care but also contribute to the advancement of surgical techniques and medical education. The focus on excellence with a concentration on patient well-being is what is shaping the future of surgery in France and encouraging more women to pursue medicine.

Women leaders in Germany have significantly shaped and impacted the country's political, economic, and social planes. They provided spearheading power to important policy change at the highest levels of government, led big corporations and cultural institutions, and performed a host of other functions across different sectors. Their leadership promoted innovation and gender equality and advanced social justice. Women in Germany break barriers, inspire future generations, and contribute to national and global progress, from politics and business to arts and environmental sustainability, all in fields that epitomize resilience, vision, and commitment to change.

Italy women leaders have been making great contributions to politics, business, culture, and social activism. Italian women in history have broken barriers by influencing leadership positions, bringing out the social change, and challenging the existing social norms. Their impact spreads to influence national policies, lead innovative industries, and promote cultural and artistic growth. They have led at the forefront on important issues, such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and economic reform, through strength, vision, and a commitment to progress. Their legacies inspire the future generation to continue striving toward better Italy and the world.

Portuguese women in leadership positions have been exemplary contributors to the country's political, economic, and cultural aspects. On the different levels of governance, business, and social movement, women leaders have used their power to call for progressive changes and equal rights for both genders. From high political offices to the head of prosperous companies and in the vanguard of environmental sustainability, they proved themselves to be highly influential decision-makers and trailblazers. Their leadership has changed the institution of Portugal and even contributed to wider global debates in social justice, human rights, and innovation. The women of Portugal lead and inspire positive changes in the society at present.

In this issue, The Global Women Leader magazine brings a spotlight of ‘Europe Special’ featuring leaders who are domineers of change in the corporate realm of the country. This list of ten leading and inspiring women is crafted by a team of CEOs, VCs, and the editorial board, delivering inspiring stories of their journey and the contributions & roles played by them in the creation and empowerment of an economically powerful nation.