Brazilian environmentalist Marina Silva elected among Financial Times 25 Most Influential Women

The Financial Times annually recognizes the exceptional accomplishments of women around the world through its Women of the Year issue, celebrating their influence, power to effect change, and innovative contributions. This distinguished list showcases women from various fields, each making a significant impact in their respective domains. One notable figure among the Financial Times 25 Most Influential Women of 2023 is Marina Silva, a Brazilian environmentalist and politician.

Marina Silva's Impactful Journey

Marina Silva's story is rooted in her upbringing in a small village near the Brazilian rainforest, where she witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of deforestation. Fueled by this experience, Marina dedicated her life to environmental advocacy. She became the first person from her community elected to the federal senate and later served as Brazil's Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Her commitment to sustainable development in the Amazon region has been unwavering.

Under Silva's leadership, deforestation decreased significantly, with a notable 59% reduction between 2004 and 2007. Her impactful initiatives include the establishment of a forest service, a biodiversity institute, and the Amazon Fund, the largest international effort for rainforest conservation. Silva continues to champion climate resilience and the restoration of the Amazon, often referred to as "the lungs of the planet."

Nominated by Michelle Bachelet

Marina Silva's nomination to the Financial Times 25 Most Influential Women of 2023 comes from another powerhouse in Latin American politics, Michelle Bachelet. Bachelet, a Chilean pediatrician and politician, served as the President of Chile in two non-consecutive terms and later as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022.

Born on September 29, 1951, in Santiago, Michelle Bachelet's life has been marked by resilience and commitment to social justice. Her father, General Alberto Bachelet Martínez, faced detention and torture during the 1973 military coup in Chile. Bachelet's political activism began during her school years, leading to her arrest and subsequent exile.

Returning to Chile in 1979, Bachelet completed her medical studies and delved into human rights advocacy. Her political career flourished in the 1990s, with notable roles in healthcare, defense, and as the first female Minister of National Defense in South America. As Chile's president, she focused on critical issues such as healthcare, education, and human rights, implementing significant reforms.

Internationally, Bachelet played a pivotal role in forming the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and later joined the United Nations as the Executive Director of UN Women. Her commitment to gender equality and human rights has earned her numerous accolades, leaving an indelible mark on Chilean politics and global diplomacy.

Marina Silva's inclusion among the Financial Times 25 Most Influential Women of 2023 underscores the global recognition of her environmental advocacy. Nominated by Michelle Bachelet, a prominent figure in Latin American politics and human rights, Silva's story reflects the power of individuals to drive positive change in the face of pressing global challenges. The contributions of both Marina Silva and Michelle Bachelet serve as inspirations for women worldwide, showcasing the transformative impact that women leaders can have on society and the planet.