4 Indian Women Shine in BBC 100 Women 2023 List

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BBC 100 Women 2023 List

BBC Unveils 11th Edition of BBC 100 Women 2023

Download August 2024 BOLT PDF (Current Affairs)

The BBC has released its prestigious list of the 11th Edition of 100 Inspiring and Influential Women from around the world for 2023. The diverse lineup includes prominent figures such as attorney and former US First Lady Michelle Obama, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, Ballon d’Or-winning footballer Aitana Bonmatí, AI expert Timnit Gebru, feminist icon Gloria Steinem, Hollywood star America Ferrera, and beauty mogul Huda Kattan.

In a year marked by extreme weather events and natural disasters, the list also spotlights women actively working to address climate change and implement strategies to adapt to its impacts. Notably, 28 Climate Pioneers are recognized ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28.

The BBC 100 Women 2023 features four Indian women, namely actress Dia Mirza, cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, photographer Arati KumarRao, and Tibetan Buddhist nun Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo. This acknowledgment highlights the significant contributions of these women in their respective fields and their impact on shaping a better future.

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo

Bhikṣuṇī, Buddhist nun

Born in England in the 1940s, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo embraced Buddhism during her teenage years.
At the age of 20, she embarked on a journey to India, where she became one of the first Westerners to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monastic.
In her commitment to advancing the status of female practitioners, Tenzin Palmo established the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in Himachal Pradesh, providing a home for over 120 nuns.
Her most renowned achievement is spending 12 years in a secluded cave in the Himalayas, with three years dedicated to a strict meditation retreat.
In recognition of her profound dedication, she was honored with the rare title of Jetsunma, signifying Venerable Master, in 2008.

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo’s life is a testament to her unwavering commitment to Buddhism, female empowerment, and spiritual introspection in the serene landscapes of the Himalayas.

Harmanpreet Kaur

Cricketer

In a groundbreaking achievement, Harmanpreet Kaur secured her place in cricket history as the first Indian woman named one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year this year.
As the captain of the India women’s national cricket team, Kaur has showcased her prolific scoring abilities both on home soil and abroad.
Her leadership led the team to a commendable silver-medal finish at the Commonwealth Games last year, highlighting her impact on the international stage.
Kaur’s influence extends to domestic cricket as well, where she guided the Mumbai Indians to victory in the inaugural Women’s Premier League in March.
A defining moment in her career occurred in 2017 when she played a stellar innings, scoring 171 runs off 115 balls in India’s Women’s World Cup semi-final against Australia. This remarkable performance played a crucial role in propelling her team into the final, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in Indian women’s cricket.

Arati Kumar-Rao

Photographer

Independent photographer, writer, and National Geographic Explorer Arati Kumar-Rao dedicates her work to capturing the evolving landscape influenced by climate change across South Asia.
For over a decade, Kumar-Rao has traversed the Indian subcontinent, chronicling the severe depletion of groundwater, habitat destruction, and land acquisition for industrial purposes.
Her documentation unveils the devastating impact on biodiversity, the shrinking of common lands, and the displacement of millions, pushing various species towards extinction.
Kumar-Rao’s stories are hard-hitting, revealing the profound effects of environmental destruction on both livelihoods and biodiversity.
Her extensive body of work serves as a poignant reflection of the interconnectedness between human activities and the natural world.
In her book, “Marginlands: India’s Landscapes on the Brink,” Kumar-Rao encapsulates the experiences of those residing in India’s most challenging environments.
Through her lens and words, she sheds light on the urgent need for environmental awareness and sustainable practices to preserve the delicate balance between humanity and nature.

Dia Mirza

Actress

Beyond her accolades in Indian cinema, actress Dia Mirza distinguishes herself through her active involvement in environmental and humanitarian initiatives.
As a goodwill ambassador of the United Nations Environment Programme, Mirza advocates for critical issues like climate change, clean air, and wildlife protection.
Her role extends beyond the silver screen as she passionately spreads awareness and mobilizes action.
Adding another dimension to her impactful contributions, Mirza is the founder of One India Stories, a production house with a mission to tell compelling stories that provoke contemplation.
Mirza’s commitment to social causes extends further as she serves as an ambassador for Save the Children and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Additionally, she holds a significant role as a board member of the Sanctuary Nature Foundation.

Dia Mirza’s multifaceted engagement reflects her dedication to leveraging her platform for positive change, making meaningful contributions to both the entertainment industry and the pressing issues of our time.

BBC 100 Women List

The BBC 100 Women list is an annual initiative that highlights the achievements of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world. Launched in 2013, the list aims to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and courage of women who are making a difference in their communities and across the globe.

Impact of the BBC 100 Women List

Since its inception, the BBC 100 Women list has had a profound impact on the lives of the women featured and on the broader conversation about gender equality. The list has:

Raised awareness of the achievements of women worldwide.
Provided a platform for women to share their stories and inspire others.
Encouraged dialogue and action to promote gender equality.
Contributed to a more inclusive and representative global media landscape.

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