In recent years, the European Union (EU) has placed significant emphasis on promoting gender equality within its institutions and across its member states. This effort to foster a more inclusive and equitable society is grounded in the belief that everyone—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or other aspects of diversity—deserves the opportunity to lead the life they envision, succeed both socially and economically, and actively participate in shaping the society in which they live.
Historically, women have faced greater obstacles in securing leadership positions and becoming key agents of development and change. Despite these challenges, many have broken barriers and achieved remarkable success. Today, thanks to more inclusive legislation and shifting societal attitudes, we see an increasing number of women in leadership roles, making significant contributions to their communities and across Europe.
In this article, we highlight the inspiring journeys of three extraordinary women who have made a meaningful impact through their work and dedication.
Danila De Stefano
Danila De Stefano exemplifies how personal experience can inspire impactful change within a community. Leveraging her expertise in psychology, De Stefano has dedicated herself to dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health. After earning a degree in Clinical Psychology from Sapienza University in Rome, she worked as a research assistant at Goldsmiths, University of London, and gained hands-on experience in various psychiatric clinics and charities. When she encountered significant difficulty in finding a therapist who spoke her native language, she conceived the idea of Unobravo—an online therapeutic service.
In just three years, Unobravo expanded rapidly, employing over 2,500 psychologists and psychotherapists, and supporting more than 80,000 patients. In 2021, Unobravo was recognized in Forbes Italia’s “Under 30” list in the Healthcare category, and in 2022, it received the prestigious “Entrepreneur of the Year” award in the start-up category from EY.
Today, Danila De Stefano serves as an inspiring figure for women seeking to revolutionize their fields through innovation and vision.
Cristina Bentué
Cristina Bentué offers a visionary perspective on the future of technology, emphasizing collaboration, inclusion, and narrowing the gender gap in STEM fields.
Currently a leader in the cybersecurity sector, Bentué is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of IriusRisk, a start-up that employs 150 people across three continents and counts major clients like IBM Security and Red Hat. Born and raised in Spain, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from the National Distance Education University in Madrid.
Her interest in technology was sparked after moving to Barcelona, where she immersed herself in the city’s vibrant start-up ecosystem. Motivated to empower young women in STEM, Bentué has spearheaded numerous initiatives designed to inspire girls to pursue careers in technology, equipping them with both the skills and confidence to succeed.
Cristina Bentué stands as a role model for women navigating male-dominated industries, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication can lead to success in even the most challenging fields.
Sofija Todorović
Sofija Todorović, a feminist and human rights advocate from Serbia, is another powerful example of a woman working to improve European society.
A law graduate from the University of Belgrade, Todorović currently serves as the Program Director of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) in Serbia. She is deeply involved in educating the public about transitional justice, human rights, and conflict resolution.
Despite facing personal risks, including physical injury, Todorović remains undeterred in her fight against authoritarianism and nationalism in the Balkans. She organizes pride marches and advocates for greater equality for people of all genders and sexual orientations in Serbian society. Over the past decade, her articles and workshops have reached more than 10,000 people, spreading her message of inclusivity and justice.
In recognition of her tireless commitment to human rights, Todorović has received numerous accolades, including the Ledolomac Human Rights Prize from Serbia’s Liberal Democratic Party in 2018, the Feminist Achievement Award from BeFem in 2019, the Ordinary Heroes Recognition from the Post-Conflict Research Centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2020, and the Human Rights Defender Award from Civic Initiatives in Belgrade in 2021.
These three exceptional women have turned their personal challenges into opportunities for growth and societal change, whether by building successful enterprises or by shaping their communities for the better. What sets them apart, however, is their commitment to sharing their success with others—particularly women who may lack the resources or confidence to pursue their goals.
True empowerment is achieved not through individual success alone, but through collective action and support. By fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, we can ensure that no one is left behind. Real societal progress will come when every person has access to the tools and opportunities they need to pursue their dreams.
Bianca Finessi, student of the University of Bologna.