(This article is authored by Alar)

India has a lot to be proud of as four of its women have made it to the Forbes list of Most Powerful Women 2023. The Forbes celebrates the achievements and contributions of these remarkable women who have risen to the top of their fields and have made a positive difference in the world. They are the role models and the leaders of today and tomorrow.

The list features women from different fields who have shown exceptional leadership, vision, and impact in their respective domains and on the world stage.  The four Indian women who have earned this recognition are, the finance minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, the CEO and chairperson of HCL Corporation, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, the chairperson of Steel Authority of India (SAIL), Soma Mondal and the founder and executive chairperson of Biocon, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw.

The finance minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, ranks 32nd on the list. She is an Indian economist, politician and senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who is currently serving as the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs of India since 2019. She is the first full-time female minister to hold the portfolios of Defence and Finance in the history of independent India.

The CEO and chairperson of HCL Corporation, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, who ranks 60th on the list. She is the richest woman in India and the only woman to lead a listed IT company in the country. She oversees the $9.9 billion enterprise that operates in various sectors, such as technology, healthcare, education, and philanthropy. She is also the founder and trustee of The Habitats Trust, which works for the conservation of natural habitats and indigenous species.

The chairperson of Steel Authority of India (SAIL), Soma Mondal, who ranks 70th on the list. She is the first woman to head the largest steel producer in India and has been credited with improving the performance and profitability of the company. She has also led the company’s efforts to enhance its production capacity, diversify its product portfolio, and adopt green technologies.

The founder and executive chairperson of Biocon, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who ranks 76th on the list. She is a pioneer in the biotechnology industry and has built a global company that offers affordable and innovative solutions for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. She is also a vocal advocate for universal health coverage, gender equality, and climate action.

These four women have shown exemplary leadership, vision, and resilience in their respective domains and have inspired many others to follow their footsteps. They have also represented India on the global stage and have contributed to the country’s progress and development.

The Forbes list of Most Powerful Women 2023 also features some of the most influential women from different fields, such as politics, business, entertainment, sports, and media. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who ranks first on the list. She is the first woman to lead the executive branch of the European Union and has played a key role in shaping the bloc’s response to the pandemic, the climate crisis, and the Brexit deal. She has also championed the EU’s digital agenda, the Green Deal, and the Next Generation EU recovery fund.

The president of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, who ranks second on the list. She is the first woman to hold this position and has been responsible for implementing the monetary policy of the eurozone. She has also launched a comprehensive review of the ECB’s strategy and has expanded its stimulus measures to support the economy amid the pandemic.

The vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris, who ranks third on the list. She is the first woman, the first person of colour, and the first person of Asian descent to hold this office. She has been a close partner of President Joe Biden and has taken on several important portfolios, such as immigration, voting rights, and foreign policy. She has also been a vocal advocate for racial justice, women’s rights, and public health.

The prime minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, who ranks fourth on the list. She is the first woman to lead the Italian government and has formed a broad-based coalition that includes parties from across the political spectrum. She has also managed to secure the approval of a massive recovery plan that aims to revitalize the country’s economy, infrastructure, and social welfare.

The co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates, who ranks fifth on the list. She is one of the most influential philanthropists in the world and has dedicated her efforts to improving the lives of millions of people, especially women and girls, in the areas of health, education, and gender equality. She has also been a strong supporter of the global vaccine initiative, COVAX, and has advocated for greater access and equity in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

The CEO of Citigroup, Jane Fraser, who ranks sixth on the list. She is the first woman to lead a major Wall Street bank and has been hailed as a trailblazer in the male-dominated industry. She has also been committed to transforming the bank’s culture, strategy, and operations, as well as advancing its environmental, social, and governance goals.

The singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, Beyoncé, who ranks 36th on the list. She is one of the most successful and influential artists of all time and has won 28 Grammy Awards, the most by any female artist. She has also been a powerful voice for social justice, racial equality, and female empowerment. She has also launched several ventures, such as Ivy Park, a clothing line, and Parkwood Entertainment, a media and entertainment company.

The singer, songwriter, and businesswoman, Rihanna, who ranks 74th on the list. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and has won nine Grammy Awards. She has also been a pioneer in the beauty and fashion industry, with her brands Fenty Beauty and Fenty, which celebrate diversity and inclusion. She has also been a generous philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to various causes, such as education, health, and disaster relief.