The British Broadcasting Company published its list of the 100 most inspiring and influential women of the world in 2022.
The list includes the global musical phenomenon Billie Eilish, Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska, actresses Rita Moreno and Selma Blair, triple jump champion Yulimar Rojas, Colombian writer Velia Vidal, Argentine conservationist Sofia Heinonen, and activists Ceci Flores and Geraldina Guerra.
Perhaps the most interesting standout is Sister Nathalie Becquart, a Catholic nun and Under-Secretary of the Synod of Bishops from France.
Pope Francis appointed Sister Nathalie Becquart as the first woman to serve as Under-Secretary of the Synod of Bishops. Becquart is the only woman with the right to vote in the Synod, which advises the Pope on important issues for the Catholic Church.
In 2021, the Secretary General of the Synod said that Becquart’s appointment shows that “a door has been opened” for women in the Church.
Prior to her current role, Becquart was a member of the Sisters of Saint Francis Xavier Congregation and the first woman Director of the National Service for the Evangelization of Young People and Vocations in France.
This year marks the tenth edition of the BBC’s 100 most inspiring and influential women, examining progress made over the last decade.
The BBC found that “although there has been great progress in women’s rights – from the number of women leaders to the MeToo Movement – for many women in many parts of the world there is still a long way to go.”
The list highlights the significant role of women in global conflicts, from protesters in Iran to women in Ukraine and Russia who are confronted with conflict and resistance. This year, the BBC invited women from previous lists to make nominations.
“As Pope Francis states, ‘it is a duty of justice to fight against all discrimination and violence’ on women… Together, we need to support in any way to involve more women in leadership positions at all levels.” – Nathalie Becquart
