Highly recommended article from the World Economic Forum on the importance of investing in women. Gender inequality remains an issue many of our clients, both men and women, in economies at all stages of development, struggle with. We have heard many first-hand stories of women having a more difficult time being listened to during meetings, feeling disproportionate pressure balancing work and family priorities, and finding fewer mentors and advocates with which to accelerate their careers. As a result, productivity for all of us suffers.

In fact, McKinsey notes global GDP would rise up to $28 trillion by 2025 if gender inequality disappeared. It's important to note this wealth gain would benefit both men and women. Such numbers also highlight how this is not exclusively a moral issue; it is also an economic, national security, and social issue impacting families.

Thankfully, several initiatives are tackling this issue from various angles:

·         Wogrammer has built a community for female engineers to share their stories and break stereotypes as to who can become an engineer.

·         ChickTech and Girls Who Code focuses on educational programs that attract and retain women in technology careers.

·         National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) provides resources for entrepreneurs, including general resources that are relevant even if you don't live in the US

·         More broadly, Ellevate and Lean In offers global opportunities for professional women to learn, network, and mentor each other.

Equally importantly, larger companies like Abbott, Ernst & Young, General Mills and others have their own programs for helping women advance their professional development. If your company offers such programs, this is likely the best starting point as it will provide the most relevant support to reaching your career goals!