Women Over 50: Shattering Stereotypes and Leading the Way

In 2021, we witnessed the launch of a movement that would forever change the perception of women over 50. The “50 Over 50” list, a collaboration between Know Your Value and Forbes, showcased extraordinary women who were reshaping life and work at their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond.

Today, the “50 Over 50” list has become a global phenomenon, celebrating women breaking barriers across various industries. This year’s list is no exception, honoring groundbreaking women in biotech, education, retail, architecture, music, and activism.

Among the distinguished honorees are actress Brooke Shields, filmmaker Ava DuVernay, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and basketball coach Dawn Staley. Our oldest honoree, philanthropist Deborah Szekely, at 102, gracefully demonstrates that making an impact has no age limit.

Hollywood starlet June Squibb, whose career soared after her 80th birthday, continues to defy expectations at 94, performing her own stunts in the latest film “Thelma.” Valerie Jarrett, former senior advisor to President Obama, who recently assumed the role of CEO of the Obama Foundation, is a prime example of women breaking the glass ceiling.

Women over 50 are not just making waves in traditional fields; they are also dominating the consumer market. With over $15 trillion in purchasing power, this generation is leading spending, influencing businesses to cater to their specific needs.

The “Age of Possibility” campaign by QVC targets women over 50, recognizing their growing influence. Brooke Shields’ new venture, Commence, develops products specifically designed for women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Bobbi Brown, a Forbes Over 50 alumna, prominently features women in their 50s and 60s in advertising for her beauty brand, Jones Road Beauty.

The “50 Over 50” list is not just about acknowledging accomplishments; it’s about empowering younger generations of women. By showcasing successful women in their later years, we dispel the myth that our best days are behind us.

This movement is a testament to the resilience, determination, and leadership of women over 50. Their stories and accomplishments inspire us to embrace life’s possibilities and shatter the stereotypes that have held us back for too long.

As we gather in New York and Abu Dhabi to celebrate these extraordinary women, let us remember that the sky’s the limit for us. Age is not a barrier but an opportunity to reinvent ourselves and continue making a difference in the world.