Men have long dominated economics, but female economists have made remarkable contributions in recent decades. The work of female economists, together with that of their male counterparts, has redefined academic and policy landscapes and paved the way for greater inclusivity within the discipline. Women continue to bring diverse perspectives that enrich our understanding of global financial systems, economic growth, labour dynamics, and policy interventions. 

These women are not only changing the economic landscape but inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. Here are some of the voices we should all be listening to.

Influential Female Voices in Economics 

Esther Duflo 

A Nobel laureate and professor at MIT, Esther Duflo has revolutionised development economics with her work on poverty alleviation. Duflo’s research employs randomised control trials to identify effective interventions in areas such as health, education, and agriculture. Her insights have influenced policies around the world, proving instrumental in the design of practical solutions to poverty. Alongside her contributions, Duflo co-founded the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), a network aimed at reducing poverty through evidence-based research. 

You can follow her on X or read one of her Books ‘Poor Economics’ and ‘Good Economics for Hard Times’. Read our in-depth blog about her here.

Janet Yellen 

Currently serving as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen has been a pivotal figure in shaping modern economic policy. With a distinguished career that includes chairing the Federal Reserve, Yellen’s expertise in labour economics and monetary policy has been critical in guiding the U.S. through economic crises. Her approach to inclusive economic growth, as well as her emphasis on reducing economic inequality, continues to impact policy decisions at the highest level of government.

You can follow her on X (@SecYellen) or read about her in recent articles from Forbes and The Financial Times. 

Claudia Goldin 

Renowned for her groundbreaking work on gender economics, Claudia Goldin has explored the evolution of women’s roles in the labour market, unveiling insights into wage gaps, labour force participation, and education. As a professor at Harvard University, Goldin’s contributions provide a deeper understanding of the economic forces shaping gender disparities, and her work has become a cornerstone of labour economics and social policy. 

You can read about her Nobel Prize Work or read one of her many books ‘Family and Career’ and ‘Understanding the Gender Gap’. 

Carmen Reinhart 

A distinguished economist specializing in international finance and macroeconomics, Carmen Reinhart currently serves as Vice President and Chief Economist at the World Bank. Her research on financial crises and sovereign debt has been instrumental in understanding economic stability. Reinhart’s influential book, ‘This Time Is Different’, co-authored with Kenneth Rogoff, remains a vital reference for analyzing financial crises and their historical context. 

Follow her on Linkedin, X and Instagram or read one of her many books ‘This Time Is Different’ and ‘The Decade of Debt’

Rising Female Stars Making Waves in Economics 

Alice Evans 

Alice Evans, a lecturer at King’s College London, focuses on the sociology and economics of gender equality. Her work delves into how social norms evolve and the impact of cultural shifts on gender dynamics, particularly in developing economies. Evans has become a voice of authority on the influence of social norms on economic outcomes, making significant strides in gender economics through her research and public engagement. 

Follow her on YouTube, Linkedin and X, or find some of her many scholarly articles.

Stefanie Stantcheva 

A professor at Harvard University, Stefanie Stantcheva’s research examines taxation and its effects on inequality, innovation, and education. Known for her work on social economics, Stantcheva brings an empirical approach to understanding how tax policies influence economic behaviour and social mobility. Her insights are not only shaping economic theory but also influencing policy debates on equitable taxation and welfare. 

Follow her on Linkedin and X or read her contributions to scholarly articles. Harvard also has her biography and research published. 

Ulrike Malmendier 

An economist at UC Berkeley, Ulrike Malmendier combines behavioural economics with corporate finance, investigating how psychological factors influence economic decision-making. Her research, including the concept of the “experience effect,” explores how past economic environments shape individuals' financial choices. Malmendier’s contributions provide a deeper understanding of economic behaviour and have practical implications for both policy design and corporate strategies. Follow her on Linkedin and X or read her contributions to scholarly articles.

Victoria Vanasco 

An emerging scholar in finance and macroeconomics, Victoria Vanasco is an assistant professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Her work centres on financial intermediation, systemic risk, and information asymmetry in markets. Vanasco’s research on financial institutions’ vulnerabilities and economic stability offers valuable insights into how information shapes market behaviour, making her an important voice in economic stability and financial regulation. 

Follow her on Linkedin, X and Facebook. 

Kyla Scanlon

Kyla blends traditional economic insights with modern-day storytelling through her digital platforms. With a unique ability to simplify complex economic concepts, she has gained a significant following for her accessible, creative, and often humorous approach to economic education. She is also a strong advocate for financial literacy, particularly among younger audiences, making her an influential voice in engaging the next generation of economists and data-savvy individuals. 

Find her on Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube or read her newly released book ‘’In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work’’. 

Tanya Van Court 

A visionary entrepreneur and advocate for financial literacy, particularly among children and families. As the founder and CEO of Goalsetter, a financial education platform, she has revolutionized the way young people learn about saving, budgeting, and investing. Tanya’s mission is to close the wealth gap by equipping the next generation with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions. Her work combines elements of behavioural economics with technology, empowering families to build healthy financial habits early on. 

Find her on Instagram, and Linkedin or find out more about her in this Forbes article. 

The Importance of Diversity in Economics 

The contributions of these women exemplify the importance of diverse voices in economics. They have introduced broader perspectives and new areas of inquiry that perhaps are less likely to have developed within the confines of the old-school “men’s club” mentality that typified many economics departments in the past. Gender diversity among economists enhances the relevance and applicability of economic research, bringing in varied approaches to understanding issues such as inequality, poverty, and behavioural dynamics. As the field continues to evolve, fostering inclusive spaces within academia and policy institutions remains essential, not only for advancing women economists but also for enriching economic thought for all. 

Encouraging Future Generations 

The achievements of these trailblazing women in economics inspire future generations to pursue impactful careers in the field. By highlighting their contributions, we emphasize the critical role women play in advancing research, shaping policy, and fostering a more inclusive and innovative discipline. Their work serves as a powerful reminder of the value of gender diversity in driving progress across global economies and financial systems. 

Check out our other blog 'Does Economics have a Problem with Women?' for an ineresting insight on this topic.