BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women List 2023 (B1-B2/v34858)

The BBC has revealed its list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2023.

BBC News Journalist:  The BBC’s 100 women list for 2023 has been unveiled. It celebrates inspiring and influential women around the world. And among them are human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, Hollywood star America Ferrera, feminist icon Gloria Steinem and the former US First Lady, Michelle Obama. And in recognition of the disproportionate impact that climate change is having on the lives of women and girls, this year’s list highlights those leading the battle against the climate crisis.

Wildlife Protection Activist:  Society doesn’t encourage women to go out there and do daring and dangerous things. Working with gorillas gives me a lot of hope.

BBC News Journalist:  Our planet’s environment and wildlife are at stake.  For some of our nominees, it’s all about preparing the next generation.

Ocean Ecology Specialist:  We need all hands on deck to ensure that these little ones that are growing up become ocean guardians in their own right.

BBC News Journalist:  Besides climate pioneers, the BBC’s 100 women list showcases inspiring and influential women who are defying societal norms.

Various women succeeding in traditionally male-dominated professions:  I’ve been doing this for 18 years and yet every time I do it, I think “so cool”!  The women who came here were so strong.

BBC News Journalist:  As the climate crisis continues to impact humans in our planet, we speak to women who use their platforms to demand change.

Dia Mirza, UN Goodwill Ambassador for India:  I don’t know why it is so hard for people to understand that we actually don’t have another planet to move to. We’re taking a living planet and killing it.

BBC News Journalist:  We are seeing the impact of climate change like never before. In coastal areas, the rising sea levels are devastating lives and destroying whole communities.

Unidentified female resident of a coastal area impacted by rising sea levels:  I have been affected three times by the tidal waves.  The fourth one made me relocate to this place.  If this place also gets washed away by the sea, it means we will have nothing.

BBC News Journalist:  The changes in the environment are hitting the world’s poorest, putting women and girls at a higher risk of exploitation and inequality.  Some of the most high-profile humanitarians in the world have joined forces to tackle the practice of child marriage

Amal Clooney, Human Rights Lawyer:  Women’s rights in general, girls rights, is, you know, it’s about unshackling half the population in every country. So, if you want to make progress in human rights, you have to start with the rights of girls.

Michelle Obama:  This is an urgent issue, the health of women and girls on this planet measures the health of our planet and we can do better, you know. This is this is an issue that can be solved tomorrow if all the world leaders got together and made it a priority. It wouldn’t take 300 years. It could happen in less than a generation.

BBC News Journalist:  And you can find out more about these another inspiring women on the BBC 100 woman list. Well worth having a look at what is happening for the rest of the season as well. It’s all on the BBC News website.

1. unveil – show or announce publicly for the first time
   Example:  At the press conference, the company will unveil its latest product.
2. disproportionate – too large or too small in comparison with something else
   Example: The distribution of resources was disproportionate, with some regions receiving much more than others.
3. highlight – draw special attention to
   Example: The artist used bright colors to highlight certain elements in the painting.
4. daring – (of a person or action) adventurous or audaciously bold
   Example: The mountain climber attempted a daring ascent of the steep peak.
5. at stake – at risk; at issue of in question
   Example: The outcome of the negotiation was at stake, as it would determine the future of the company.
6. grow up – advance to maturity; develop into an adult
   Example: She always wanted to be a doctor when she grew up.
7. in their own right – because of your own ability, effort or situation and not because of anything else
   Example: The musician was famous not just because of her famous parents but also in her own right.
8. showcase – exhibit; display; bring attention to
   Example: The art gallery will showcase the works of local artists.
9. defy – openly resist or refuse to obey
   Example: The young activist decided to defy the unjust law.
10. devastating – highly destructive or damaging
    Example: The hurricane had a devastating impact on the coastal community.
11. wash away – carry (something) away by the movement of water
    Example: The heavy rain caused the river to overflow and wash away several houses.
12. tackle – make determined efforts to deal with (a problem or difficult task)
    Example: The team is determined to tackle the issue of pollution in the city.
13. unshackle – liberate; set free
    Example: The civil rights movement aimed to unshackle marginalized communities from discrimination.
14. solve – find an answer to, explanation for, or means of effectively dealing with (a problem or mystery)
    Example: Scientists are working hard to solve the mystery of the disappearing species.
15. find out – discover a fact or piece of information
    Example: I need to find out the opening hours of the museum before planning my visit.

1. How would you characterize the progress of women in positions of leadership, decision making and influence in the world today?
2. What are some of the most critical areas still in need of a much stronger push towards reaching equality of leadership with men?
3. Who are some of the most inspiring women leaders in the world today and why do you find their work so important?

Video script and vocabulary

Now find out more by asking Al-i some questions :

• Who are 10 of the most influential women in business today? Who are 10 of the most influential women in business today?
• Who are some of the most influential women in France today? Who are some of the most influential women in France today?
• How have women's roles in leadership changed globally in the last 50 years? How have women's roles in leadership changed globally in the last 50 years?
• What are the prospects of women reaching parity with men? What are the prospects of women reaching parity with men?