2025 was the year women shattered every ceiling we thought had already been broken. The year a 72-year-old rape survivor became a knight of France’s highest honor. The year women became presidents, prime ministers, CEOs of Africa’s largest stock exchange, and governors of central banks. The year the first woman led the Church of England in its 1,400-year history.
This is Her Network’s 2025 Women of the Year: the women who didn’t just define excellence—they redefined what was possible.
FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACES TO THE PULPITS
History bent in 2025, and women were the architects.
Jennifer Simons was sworn in as Suriname’s first female president, while Catherine Connolly, at 68, became Ireland’s 10th President, championing “active neutrality”—not the passive absence of conflict, but a living tradition of peace-making and bridge-building. In Lithuania, Inga Ruginienė, who led the nation’s labor union confederation, was elected Prime Minister. Yulia Svyrydenko became Ukraine’s Prime Minister, leading a nation at war with steady resolve.
And in a moment that reverberated through 1,400 years of tradition, Sarah Mullally became the Archbishop of Canterbury—the first woman to lead the Church of England in its entire history.
These women didn’t just enter rooms where they’d never been allowed. They took the seats at the very head of the table.
THE GLOBAL GOVERNANCE REVOLUTION
In international diplomacy and governance, women claimed territory that had been gatekept for generations.
Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, who made history as the UAE’s first female Permanent Representative to the United Nations (2013-2024), was appointed Minister of State in the UAE—bringing decades of diplomatic mastery to her nation’s highest levels of government.
Shaikha Al Nowais became Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization, marking the first time in the organization’s 50-year history that a woman—and the first Gulf national—has led it.
Anita Anand became Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs following a major Cabinet reshuffle, while Lydia Nsekera—already a trailblazer as the first woman on the FIFA Council—became Burundi’s Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, bringing her global sports administration expertise home.
From the United Nations to national cabinets, 2025 proved that women aren’t just participating in global governance—we’re leading it.
THE FINANCIAL POWERHOUSES
In finance and business, women took command of institutions that shape entire economies.
Valdene Reddy became CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange—the largest stock exchange in Africa. Pearl Nkrumah made history as the first female Managing Director of Access Bank Ghana. Dr. Anna Breman became Governor of New Zealand’s Reserve Bank, the first woman and non-New Zealander to hold the role.
Joelene Pierce stepped into the CEO role at KPMG South Africa after 26 years with the firm, 19 of them as Partner. Salomé Azevedo became Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana after overseeing 25 countries across Central and West Africa.
Sewit Ahderom, a seasoned technology leader, became President and CEO of Mastercard Foundation, one of the world’s largest foundations.
And in the boardroom, global economist Baroness Dambisa Moyo joined Starbucks’ Board of Directors, bringing her decades of expertise in global markets and growth investing.
These women aren’t just managing money—they’re managing the future.
THE JUSTICE WARRIORS
In courtrooms and legal chambers, women ascended to the bench and made history from it.
Justice Jane Frances Abodo became Uganda’s Principal Judge—the first woman to hold this esteemed judicial office. Justice Esi Malaika Schimming-Chase became the first woman to serve permanently on Namibia’s Supreme Court.
And in France, Gisèle Pelicot, the 72-year-old woman whose courage during a harrowing mass-rape trial captured global attention and sparked international conversations about consent, was named a knight of the Legion of Honour—France’s most prestigious civilian award. Her bravery became a rallying cry, her name a symbol of resistance.
Justice, in 2025, had the face of women who refused to be silenced.
THE CULTURE ARCHITECTS
In arts, entertainment, and culture, women created legacies that will outlive us all.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the acclaimed author and global thought leader, became the first-ever recipient of the Felix Jud Prize—a German award celebrating champions of intellectual freedom, humanity, and debate.
Angélique Kidjo, global music icon and five-time Grammy winner, was announced as part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026, becoming the first Black African artist to receive this honor.
Tems didn’t just perform—she owned. She headlined the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show and became a part-owner and club partner of San Diego FC through her company The Leading Vibe. Artist. Entrepreneur. Owner. That’s the triple threat 2025 demanded.
Juliet Ibrahim became the first-ever president of Women in Film & Television Ghana, a milestone signaling progress and visibility for women across African film and TV.
Busola Tejumola, with 19 years of leadership across media and IT, became Executive Head of General Entertainment Channels at MultiChoice Group, shaping what millions watch across the continent.
Tomike Adeoye took leadership of LightHill Studio, Nigeria’s creative hub for filmmakers, musicians, and content creators—signaling bold innovation in the nation’s creative industry.
And Omoni Oboli, Nigerian-Canadian actress and filmmaker, was named YouTube’s Nigeria Content Creator of the Year 2025.
Culture, in 2025, was written by women who refused to wait for permission to tell their stories.
THE RECORD BREAKERS
Some women don’t just achieve—they obliterate what we thought possible.
Hilda Baci became a 2x Guinness World Record holder after cooking the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice in a 6-meter-wide, 6-meter-tall pot. Because if you’re going to break a record, you might as well break it spectacularly.
Jessica “Jess” L. Martinez earned the Guinness World Record for the largest afro on a living woman—a crown she wears with pride, literally.
These women proved that excellence isn’t just about being first—it’s about being unforgettable.
THE INSTITUTIONAL LEADERS
In institutions that shape culture, policy, and public service, women ascended to transformational roles.
Dr. Cynthia Ntombifuthi Khumalo (“Stella”) became the first woman to lead South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as Director-General.
Ebisan Akisanya, Nigerian social impact leader, stepped into the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees for Women in Business, Management, and Public Service.
Temi Dalley became the 2nd Vice President of the Association of Professional Women Bankers, serving as Group Executive of Human Capital & Corporate Services at Sterling Financial Holdings.
Stacey A. Liburd became CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, bringing 15+ years of expertise in destination marketing and tourism development.
These women understand that lasting change happens from inside institutions—by leading them.
THE GLOBAL CHANGE-MAKERS
And then there are the women whose impact transcends borders and sectors entirely.
Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili received the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award (Lifetime Achievement), presented by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Decades of principled leadership, recognized on the global stage.
Omoyemi Akerele won the Earthshot Prize for pioneering work in sustainable fashion and was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders. She’s not just changing fashion—she’s changing the planet.
These women proved that impact isn’t measured by one title or one moment. It’s measured by how many lives you touch and how much you transform what comes after you!
