Ahead of the new year, the BBC has unveiled its list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for this year. Dr. Dilek Gürsoy, who is known for being the first female surgeon in Europe to implant an artificial heart is on the ‘BBC 100 Women 2022’ list.
The BBC has revealed its list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2022. Among them are global music phenomenon Billie Eilish, Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska, actresses Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Selma Blair, the ‘tsarina of Russian pop’ Alla Pugacheva, Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi, record-breaking triple jump athlete Yulimar Rojas, and Ghanaian author Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah.
The 100 Women list was founded after the Delhi gang rapes of 2012 to improve coverage of women’s stories in the media. Now in its 10th year, the theme of the 2022 season is “progress” and it will reflect on the changes of the past decade.
While there have been huge steps forward for women’s rights – from the number of female leaders to the MeToo movement – for women in many corners of the world, BBC says, “it still feels like there is a long way to go.”
The list also reflects the role of women at the heart of conflict around the world in 2022 – from the protesters bravely demanding change in Iran, to the female faces of conflict and resistance in Ukraine and Russia.
BBC Director General Tim Davie said: “The women on this year’s list are all remarkable in what they have achieved and contributed to their communities and society, and I am proud that the BBC continues to do vital work by shining a spotlight on them and sharing their stories around the world through our first-class journalism and storytelling.”
Dr. Dilek Gürsoy is also included in the list
Born in Germany to Turkish migrant parents, Dr Dilek Gürsoy is a leading heart surgeon and artificial heart specialist. She made the cover of Forbes magazine in Germany, which lauded her for being the first female surgeon in Europe to implant an artificial heart.
She has been at the forefront of artificial heart research for more than a decade, working on the development of an alternative to heart transplantation given the low rates of organ donation, with a special focus on female anatomy. She has written an autobiography and is now in the process of starting her own heart clinic.
Here are some other figures on the BBC 100 Women 2022 list:
Taisia Bekbulatova, Russia, Journalist
A renowned Russian journalist, Taisia Bekbulatova founded the independent media outlet Holod in 2019. The organisation has reported extensively on the war in Ukraine, as well as publishing stories about inequality, violence, and women’s rights. The website was blocked in Russia by authorities in April, during a crackdown on independent media.
Despite this, Bekbulatova and her team have vowed to continue their work, and have seen their readership increase. Bekbulatova, who left Russia in 2021 after being labelled a “foreign agent”, has travelled to Ukraine herself to report on the war from the front line.
Eva Copa, Bolivia, Politician
A former student leader of Aymara descent, Eva Copa is shaking up politics in Bolivia. After failing to win her party’s nomination to be mayor of El Alto, the country’s second-largest city, she stood against their candidate and won with 69% of the vote. She recently announced the city’s plan for women, which will aim to strengthen women’s rights through policy and investment.
Copa is not new to politics, having served as a senator between 2015 and 2020. Her split with the ruling party is seen by many as a shift towards a more diversified political landscape in Bolivia.
Dima Aktaa, Syria, Runner
In 2012, Dima Aktaa’s home in Syria was bombed. She lost her leg and the ability to do one of her favourite things – run. Approximately 28% of Syrians have a disability, nearly double the global average, according to UN data. Ten years later, Aktaa is in the UK, training to compete in the 2024 Paralympics.
After raising money for refugees during the pandemic, she was recognised as a member of England’s alternative football squad, the Lionhearts. Her story recently featured in pop star Anne-Marie’s music video Beautiful, and she continues to raise awareness of the strength of people with disabilities.
Geetanjali Shree, India, Author
Novelist and writer Geetanjali Shree made history this year when she became the first Hindi writer to win the International Booker Prize for Tomb of the Sand, the English translation of her novel Ret Samadhi. The French translation of the book was also shortlisted for the Emile Guimet Prize.
Shree writes fiction in Hindi and non-fiction in Hindi and English. Marked by innovative use of language and structure, her works have been translated into many Indian and foreign languages. She also works on theatrical scripts in collaboration with the theatre group Vivadi, of which she is a founding member.
Woman cutting her hair, Iran, Protester
Widespread protests erupted in Iran this year, following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman arrested by morality police in Tehran on 13 September for allegedly violating Iran’s strict rules requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab, or headscarf.
This year we wanted to recognise the role women have played in the protests, fighting for their freedoms and against the compulsory hijab.
Haircutting has become one of the symbols of a movement that has spread to celebrities, politicians and campaigners across the world. It is seen by some communities in Iran as a traditional sign of mourning.
Oleksandra Matviichuk, Ukraine, Human rights lawyer
For 15 years, Oleksandra Matviichuk has led the Center for Civil Liberties (CCL), which was jointly awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize for its work in documenting Russian war crimes after the invasion of Ukraine.
The CCL is carrying the legacy of the Ukrainian dissidents of the 1960s, focusing on human rights. In 2014, the Center was the first human rights organisation to go to Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk to document war crimes. Now they are calling for an international tribunal to investigate Russia over alleged violations of human rights committed in Chechnya, Moldova, Georgia, Syria, Mali, and Ukraine.
Marie Christina Kolo, Madagascar, Climate entrepreneur
Green social entrepreneur and ecofeminist, Marie Christina Kolo was part of Madagascar’s official delegation to COP27. She advocates on the human rights and gender aspects of climate change, as her country endures consecutive droughts that challenge access to food for millions. The UN has called it the world’s first climate change-induced famine.
Kolo is regional director of the NGO People Power Inclusion, which aims to fight poverty through the green economy. Her social enterprise, Green’N’Kool, is a leading national platform for climate justice. As a survivor of gender-based violence, she founded the movement Women Break the Silence, which fights against rape culture.
You can see the full list here.