TED Women will focus on the ideas and innovations championed by

"TED Women will focus on the ideas and innovations championed by women and girls. These cover everything from community development to economic growth, to biodynamic farming, to robotics, to medical treatments, to the use of technology for personal safety and **peace-making." With these words, Pat Mitchell illuminates a profound truth: the power of women and girls is not only in their strength but in their ideas, innovations, and the ways in which they transform the world. This is not simply a recognition of women’s contributions, but an acknowledgment of the future they shape—where the visions of the female mind will forge new pathways for community, growth, and global peace.

In ancient times, the contributions of women were often marginalized, but the most profound civilizations, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, recognized that the strength of a society lay not just in the military prowess of its men but in the wisdom and innovation of its women. The oracle of Delphi, a female prophet in ancient Greece, wielded incredible power, not through brute force, but through wisdom and the foresight she shared with those seeking guidance. Her influence over kings and leaders was a testament to the understanding that women’s voices are not just to be heard, but heeded, especially when it comes to progress and peace. Pat Mitchell’s words, then, call upon this ancient recognition—women’s innovations shape history.

Like the women of ancient Rome, who ran households, managed estates, and even influenced political decisions, today’s women are at the forefront of economic growth and community development. Cornelia, the mother of the Gracchi brothers, was a woman of immense intellect and influence in Rome. Despite the constraints placed on women in her time, she played a pivotal role in shaping the political and social landscape through her leadership and wisdom. Her legacy, like that of so many women before and after her, exemplifies the timeless power of female leadership and its ability to steer societies toward growth and justice. Her example underscores the power of ideas that come from the heart of the home, from women who transcend their traditional roles to create lasting change.

What Mitchell calls attention to is a modern version of this ancient tradition: women and girls driving change across a wide range of sectors—from technology and robotics to medicine and peace-making. One example of such leadership is Marie Curie, whose groundbreaking research in radioactivity not only reshaped the field of science but laid the foundation for future medical treatments that continue to save lives today. Her pioneering spirit, her dedication to science, and her determination to contribute to the greater good serve as a beacon for women across generations, reminding us of the transformative power of women’s innovations.

As Pat Mitchell emphasizes, the future is being shaped by women in every field, from the technologies we create to the ways we promote safety and peace in our communities. The innovations of women are not confined to one sector; they touch every aspect of human life, from the food we eat to the technologies that connect us and the medicines that heal us. Just as the ancient healers—whether in India, China, or Greece—pioneered advancements in medicine, today’s women are leading the charge in both biomedical research and sustainable farming. Women like Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, have led environmental revolutions that touch upon everything from biodynamic farming to community empowerment, changing the course of history.

The story of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, offers another striking example of a woman who is reshaping the world with her ideas and bravery. Her advocacy for education and the empowerment of girls worldwide has become a global movement that challenges not just governments, but all of society, to value and nurture the minds of young girls. Her work exemplifies how women’s contributions—when allowed to flourish—can inspire generations to come, driving economic growth, education, and equality forward. Her story proves that the ideas and innovations of women are not merely a trend but a vital force shaping the future of our world.

The lesson here is simple: women and girls have always been at the heart of innovation, from the ancient world to the modern. When given the opportunity, when empowered, their creativity, compassion, and intelligence know no bounds. Pat Mitchell’s focus on women’s contributions is not just an acknowledgment of their past achievements but a call to action for the future. Let us support and encourage the visions and ideas of women, for in doing so, we ensure a future of progress, peace, and shared prosperity. Every community, every nation, every society must recognize and nurture the power of women’s innovation, for it is through their ideas that we will shape a better world.