Amidst a landscape where societal norms and expectations are often tied to age, a recent graphic circulating within feminist circles on social media has ignited discussions. This graphic highlights a notable statistic: 80% of the individuals featured on Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful women are over 50. This statistic serves as a poignant reminder that women excel and make their most substantial contributions during the latter stages of their lives.
This week, in collaboration with Mika Brzezinski’s Know Your Value initiative, we unveiled the third annual 50 Over 50: EMEA list. This prestigious compilation recognizes and celebrates the achievements of founders, CEOs, humanitarians, and trailblazers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa who are reshaping industries and driving positive change.
Among the remarkable individuals featured on the 2024 50 Over 50: EMEA list are familiar faces and unsung heroes alike. Renowned author Bonnie Garmus, aged 66 and based in the U.K.,
continues to captivate readers with her debut novel, “Lessons in Chemistry,” which has dominated bestseller charts since its release in 2022. Graça Machel, a 78-year-old humanitarian and former First Lady of Mozambique and South Africa has dedicated her life to initiatives such as Girls Not Brides and advocacy for women’s financial empowerment in Africa.
The list also introduces lesser-known yet equally inspiring figures, such as Olajumoke Adenowo, a 55-year-old Nigerian architect breaking gender barriers in her field as a “starchitect.” Elena Garcia Armada, aged 52, is a Spanish roboticist who founded a company dedicated to enhancing the performance of legged robots and lower-limb exoskeletons, revolutionizing mobility assistance technology.
These women, alongside numerous others highlighted on the 50 Over 50: EMEA list, embody resilience, innovation, and steadfast commitment to advancing progress and nurturing positive transformations within their respective domains. As we persist in confronting stereotypes and reshaping societal norms, let us find inspiration in their extraordinary paths and commemorate the strength and impact of women beyond the age of 50.