Women in Leadership Society ESCP’s Post

Progress in achieving representation of women in leadership positions across Latin America and the Caribbean has been insufficient over recent decades. Women in the region hold just over 20% of C-suite positions. In a new report, IDB researchers analyze some of the policies that can help close the gender gap and improve economic outcomes. https://lnkd.in/eViVedf7

Did you know that Denmark ranks at the top for gender equality? According to the UN's Gender Inequality Index, Denmark boasts impressive strides in women's rights, with a GII score of 0.013. What sets Denmark apart? With a maternal mortality rate of four per 100,000 live births and 39.7% of parliamentary seats held by women, it's clear that Denmark prioritizes gender parity. And with 95.1% of women aged 25+ receiving secondary education and a robust 57.7% labor force participation rate, Danish women are empowered across various spheres. Notably, Denmark made history with the appointment of the world's first female minister in 1924 and continues to lead with its female Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, in office today. Despite strides towards progress, systemic barriers in the U.S. still persist. Our country faces challenges such as disparities in healthcare access and education, as well as persistent gender biases in political representation and the workforce. While Denmark's achievements serve as an inspiration, they also underscore the need for continued efforts to overcome obstacles and advance gender equality on a global scale. #GenderEquality #GenderEquity

In Africa, gender equality in principle faces barriers in practice. The personal costs of women’s participation in politics may be one of many reasons women remain vastly underrepresented in the halls of power. Read our latest here: https://lnkd.in/exnUuRyh

The future of work is intertwined with the dignity and empowerment of all individuals, especially women. Research consistently demonstrates that when women are given the tools to succeed, entire communities flourish. The World Economic Forum emphasizes that gender equality not only drives economic growth and innovation but also enhances societal well-being. Furthermore, a study by McKinsey & Company projects that advancing gender equality could contribute a staggering $12 trillion to the global GDP by 2025. These insights highlight a fundamental reality: the success of women benefits us all. In the U.S., the representation of women in Congress stands at approximately 28% as of 2023. In contrast, Rwanda leads globally, with women holding over 60% of parliamentary seats. Countries like Mexico and Bolivia have made significant strides towards gender parity, boasting over 50% representation of women in their legislatures. In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, nations such as Namibia and South Africa have achieved notable female participation in government, surpassing 40% thanks to policies that promote gender equality. Regions with higher female representation tend to prioritize social policies that directly enhance the well-being of their citizens, particularly in areas like health, education, and social equity. Let's use this election week as a reminder to uphold our shared values, creating environments where everyone, especially women, feels empowered, respected, and supported to realize their full potential. #EmpowerWomen #DignityForAll #FutureOfWork #InclusionMatters #election #govote

We stand in solidarity with the recent findings of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which revealed a mere 0.4% increase in the representation of women in African national parliaments from January 2023 to January 2024. This marginal improvement underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to advance gender equality in governance and leadership roles across the continent. I believe that empowering women to participate fully in decision-making processes is not only a matter of rights but also essential for building more inclusive and prosperous societies. We must continue to push for policies and initiatives that dismantle barriers and create opportunities for women to thrive in political leadership positions. I call upon governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize gender parity in political representation, working together to ensure that women's voices are heard and their contributions valued at all levels of governance. Let us unite in our commitment to create a world where every woman has the opportunity to lead and succeed. #GenderEquality #WomenLeaders #Liberia #IPUReport 🌟👩🏾⚖️

Have you ever been in a meeting or workshop and noticed how women are present—but their voices aren’t heard? Or how a panel has women just for the sake of “balance,” without giving them real influence? Women’s representation in leadership, decision-making roles, meetings, and workshops is crucial for achieving gender equality. But is simply being present enough? Consider this: Women are often included in peace negotiations or development workshops as a symbolic gesture, yet their voices are frequently overlooked in the final decisions. In some countries, gender quotas ensure women’s presence in parliaments, but without the necessary support or authority, their ability to push for policies that address gender inequality remains limited. Symbolic representation—having women in the room—doesn’t always translate into effective representation. True progress happens when women’s voices are heard, their perspectives influence decisions, and their contributions drive meaningful change. For example, Rwanda’s significant representation of women in parliament (61% of seats held by women) has led to groundbreaking policies on gender-based violence and education reform. On the other hand, in many contexts, women are invited to meetings or workshops but excluded from shaping agendas or decisions, reducing their participation to a box-checking exercise. We need to ensure that women in all spaces are empowered to actively participate and shape outcomes. This means fostering inclusive environments, providing the tools and resources to amplify women’s voices, and valuing their input as essential to success. Representation is not just about being seen—it’s about being heard and making a difference. #GenderEquality #RepresentationMatters #Inclusion #WomenEmpowerment

"Empowering Women, Building Futures." Women’s economic empowerment is a complex journey, often hindered by persistent social norms and limited access to opportunities. Despite East Africa having one of the highest rates of women’s participation in the labor market, many still find themselves in traditional and informal sectors. This limits their potential for growth, diversification, and economic advancement. While strides have been made in reducing gender education gaps, there remains a significant need to tackle the inequalities in labor market outcomes. As we continue to advocate for gender equality and empower women to break barriers, it's crucial to provide platforms where women-led enterprises can thrive and grow. The 12th Annual SME Conference & Expo at Strathmore Business School (SBS) is one such platform. I am honoured to be among the speakers, sharing strategies for success and insights on overcoming the unique challenges faced by women-owned enterprises. Join us to be part of this transformative event and gain valuable knowledge to elevate your business to the next level. Register Now and let's build a more inclusive and empowering future together! #SME #BusinessGrowth #womeninbusiness #femaleentrepenuer

This year, we are reminded that despite years of advocacy and progress, no country has fully achieved gender equality. The road to equality is still long, with deep-rooted disparities affecting women across the globe. WIN (Women Impacting Nigeria) remains committed to pushing boundaries and creating a future where women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive. Through our programs and partnerships, we empower women at every level—ensuring access to education, leadership roles, and economic opportunities. Our focus includes: ✅Championing female leadership: By promoting women in key positions of influence, we ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes. ✅Advocating for policy changes: We work relentlessly to ensure gender-inclusive policies are enacted and enforced, benefiting women in all sectors. ✅Empowering women economically: Our initiatives support women in entrepreneurship, skill development, and financial inclusion, enabling them to contribute fully to the economy. While the world has made strides, the fight for gender equality is far from over. WIN stands firm in its mission to push for systemic changes that ensure every woman, everywhere, can thrive without limitation. #WomenImpactingNigeria #WIN #NGO #GenderEquality #EqualOpportunitiesForAll #WomenEmpowerment #AdvocatingForChange

As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, it's crucial to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that persist in achieving gender equality. The Beijing Declaration, adopted in 1995, remains a pivotal framework for advancing women's rights globally. It outlines strategic objectives across 12 critical areas, including combating violence against women, promoting women's economic independence, and ensuring equal participation in decision-making processes. In alignment with these objectives, the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). This campaign serves as a global call to action to end violence against women and girls, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to address this pervasive issue. As we commemorate these significant milestones, it's an opportune moment to reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and the eradication of gender-based violence. Engaging in community events, supporting survivors, and advocating for policy changes are vital steps toward creating a safer and more equitable society. What's your stand during this campaign? Take a stand!! #endfemicide #givinglight Tamra for Social Development Organization STEPS INITIATIVE UNFPA East and Southern Africa Gender and Education Dialogues FAWE Kenya

TOWARDS A MORE PROSPEROUS AND EQUITABLE FUTURE "Women's leadership and participation are essential to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. When women are at the table, they bring unique perspectives and experiences that drive more effective and sustainable solutions." - António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General Indeed it is our collective credit and moral obligation to celebrate and support women who are breaking down barriers and pushing boundaries in all fields, and create a conducive environment for them to thrive. It is not only the smartest thing to do but it is also the wisest thing to do. #genderequality #UN_SDG_5