
March 8, 2021 — On the International Women’s Day, Euclid Network (EN) reveals the anticipated Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise List featuring women changemakers who are leading the way in social entrepreneurship and innovation.
Social entrepreneurs and social innovators have long supported their communities and contributed towards achieving the UN SDGs. Their efforts have been essential during the COVID-19 crisis, filling gaps left behind by governments. Women leaders, in particular, have shown tremendous fortitude and vigour in achieving their respective organisations’ missions. Inspired by their accomplishments, EN launched The Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise initiative, in partnership with Empow’her. Through this initiative, EN celebrates women in the social enterprise sector, spotlighting their impact journey and achievements, connecting them to learn from and inspire each other.
*the list does not rank the top 100 women in any particular order
Based on almost 500 answers from an open nomination call, the jury selected 100 women who stood out as having created significant positive social and/or environmental impact. The chosen women demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and commitment by going beyond their role and inspiring others to channel their potential. They have been developing and successfully implementing large-scale projects aimed at improving sector-practices and achieving the SDGs. Their innovate approaches are adaptable and sustainable and therefore, have the potential to continue creating positive impact over a long period of time.
EN chose to release the Top 100 list on the day dedicated to celebrating women world-wide, the International Women’s Day (IWD). The IWD 2021 carries the theme #ChooseToChallenge so it is only befitting we recognise women whose entrepreneurial and innovative spirit challenges the norms and creates positive impact.

“We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.”
EN chose to release the Top 100 list on the day dedicated to celebrating women world-wide, the International Women’s Day (IWD). The IWD 2021 carries the theme #ChooseToChallenge so it is only befitting we recognise women whose entrepreneurial and innovative spirit challenges the norms and creates positive impact.
We raise our hands in support as we spotlight the women leading the way to a better, more equitable future in the European social enterprise sector.
“It is a humbling experience to work with trailblazing women day in, day out – whose significant impact on bringing us closer to a fair and green economy should be celebrated widely. This is why we started the Top 100 initiative.”
– Veerle Klijn, Project Manager at Euclid Network

See the Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise List, get inspired and join us in celebrating the achievements of women who are leading the way to a better future.
Stay tuned as we will be featuring interviews with women leaders from the Top 100 list in the following weeks!
For further suggestions and questions, please get in touch with Veerle Klijn!
Euclid Network (EN) is the European Social Enterprise Network. Founded in 2007, EN has been a frontrunner in shaping the European impact ecosystem in the past decade. The global community of changemakers is growing and so is our network: our members represent over 100,000 organisations in 21 countries throughout Europe and beyond.
Together with its members, EN strives towards an economy that works for people and the planet in support of all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, making impact its daily business. Our vision is to see social entrepreneurship and social innovation pave the way for a new green and just economy.