Influential Women in International Development

Last week, President-Elect Joe Biden announced the appointment of former U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power to lead the U.S. Agency for International Development, a role that has been elevated by Biden to sit within the White House National Security Council.

Ms Power’s appointment not only adds to Biden’s growing number of senior level female appointments in his administration, it also highlights the increased recognition for the role that women play in the international development space. Whether this is within government positions or across international platforms such as the recent Wilton Park conference on the role of ‘Women in the Prevention and Resolution of Conflicts, Peace Negotiation and Peacebuilding’ — female representation and voices are being increasingly amplified. Considering that women are widely considered a key influence on economic growth in developing countries due to their growing presence in the workforce and increased sense of educational empowerment, I find it inspiring that women are playing a larger role in shaping international development agendas.

In celebration of Ms Power’s appointment, I wanted to share five women currently working in the international development space that I personally find inspiring.

Winnie Byanyima — UNAIDS Executive Director

Byanyima has many accomplishments under her belt, most recently being appointed the Executive Director of UNAIDS in November 2019. This isn’t all though, in the past she has been an aeronautical engineer, politician and diplomat.

Fun fact: Byanyima is a signatory to Uganda’s 1985 peace agreement and has helped to broker and support women’s participation in peace processes in Rwanda, South Africa, Burundi, Sudan and other countries emerging from conflict.

Winnie Byanyima. Source: Google Images

NneNne Iwuji-Eme — High Commissioner of the the UK to Mozambique

Ms Iwuji-Eme is the first black woman to represent the UK as a High Commissioner and took up her posting in 2018, succeeding Joanna Kuenssberg. Whilst it’s still disappointing that we are still having ‘firsts’ in as recently as 2018, Ms Iwuji-Eme is paving the way for so many young women in the field and represents a beacon on hope, especially for young black women that hope to see more representation at senior levels.

Fun fact: Iwuji-Eme speaks five languages including English, Igbo, Portugese, Pidgin and French.

NneNne Iwuji-Eme. Source: Sunday Times Magazine

Anoopret Rehncy — GyanGirl

Rehncy founded Gyan Girl in May 2020 with the vision that every girl in the world should have access to knowledge. Gyan means knowledge in sanskrit and Rehncy is dedicated to empowering girls with knowledge that can be passed down from generations of women from all walks of life. By showcasing success stories, sharing advice and acting as a source of inspiration Rehncy is using her platform as a source of knowledge, power and hope.

Fun fact: Rehncy was featured in Forbes 30 under 30 in 2017 due to the success of her former retail company A Black and White Story.

Anoopret Rehncy. Source: Instagram

Melinda Gates — Philanthropist and co-founder of the Gates Foundation

Melinda Gates is well renowned in the philanthropic sphere through her work with the Gates Foundation and other organisations such as Pivotal Ventures aimed at advancing social progress in the United States. Gates frequently appears on Forbes ‘Most Powerful Women’ lists due to her advocacy for gender equality, fair access to healthcare and education.

Fun fact: Gates binge watched all three seasons of ‘Victoria’ with husband, Bill.

Melina Gates. Source: Google Images

Avril Benoit — Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Executive Director (USA)

Benoit describes herself as ‘a humanitarian aid worker and executive leader working globally to battle indifference, inspire hope, cement engagement and provoke action’ a message she has held herself to throughout her career. In her former role as a Country Director and Project Coordinator for MSF, she led operations to provide aid to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in Mauritania, South Sudan and South Africa.

Fun fact: Benoit’s first job in broadcast journalism was reading out the death notices from local funeral homes on the night shift at an AM country music radio station in a small, Canadian town.

Avril Benoit. Source: Google Images