Sunday, January 10, 2016

Women's Leadership Continues to Transform Our World


As the 2016 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting approaches during the week of January 20 - 23 in Davos, Switzerland the spotlight will undoubtedly be shown on women's leadership around the world - how far we've come, what's happening now, who's doing what, and how far we have to go to achieve gender parity. This will be my third year of remote "active" participation in sessions that for me have become mandatory. This year's agenda will focus on Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

At WEF some of the world's best minds will showcase the latest research, resources, actions, and innovations while opening pathways for discussions and dissenting opinions. I've read articles from various sources who decry the "closed" nature of the meetings and I simply don't understand their challenges. I have all of the access I need and I don't have to travel to Switzerland in mid-winter to participate - at least not yet. Lead on WEF!

Leading up to WEF Annual Meetings, there are local, regional, and global communities, open forums, and events that one can participate in depending on interests and focus areas such as Civil Society, Academic Networks, Technology Pioneers, Strategic Partners, Women Leaders and Gender Parity, and many more. Detailed reports are posted in wide-ranging categories by year, type, region, and topic. Whatever pieces of knowledge that one has a desire to grasp - it's at your fingertips.


Women's Leadership Around the Globe


While reflecting on women's leadership for this article, I had one of my favorite Beyonce songs playing in the background for extra emphasis. "Who run the world? Girls!" - an empowering message for sure. Since 100% of humans come to the planet via women who were once girls, who can argue with Queen Bey?! 

Yet some still try...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...we're smart enough to make these millions - strong enough to bear the children then get back to business...



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The impact of women's leadership around the globe is undisputed by the facts though statistically speaking numbers are still challenging. Research and ten years of data have made it possible for all to see the situation that we've gotten ourselves into by holding back the capabilities of half of the human population. Highlights from the Global Gender Gap Report 2015 show areas of concern and areas of progress in economy, education, politics, and health.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------





----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ten years of measuring the global gender gap has helped us understand how lack of progress is damaging global economic growth, and given us insights into how practical measures can support growth and improve the quality of life for women worldwide


- World Economic Forum (Global Gender Gap Report 2015)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Businesses with more women in leadership positions do better in the marketplace - undisputed. Institutions of higher learning are graduating more women at all levels - undisputed. The rate of households headed by women is increasing - undisputed. Medical breakthroughs for women by women are accelerating - undisputed. Women's entrepreneurship is growing at unprecedented levels - undisputed. 


Who run the world? Girls!


Highlights of women's global leadership must always recognize Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai for her work on girl's and children's education, German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her strong humanitarian leadership, and Melinda Gates for her outstanding contributions to advancements in health for women, girls, and infants. 

Here are a few (very few) worthy highlights on Women's Leadership Around the Globe.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

These women and so many more are moving the dials of progress in positive directions for the common good. All are incredibly impressive and are a few of the most influential people on the planet. Be inspired!

Women leaders around the world - while you're creating some of the coolest innovations or handling some of the most difficult breakthroughs in technology, business, society, or elsewhere -

Keep Calm and Lead On!

Who would you add to the list? Share your insights by commenting, liking, or sharing.


No comments:

Post a Comment