Christine Lagarde and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on women empowerment
Mar 8, 2024
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Prominent women Christine Lagarde and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala discuss women's economic empowerment, gender balance, and the importance of female leadership. They reflect on past negotiations, explore trade policies' impact on gender equality, and stress the need for more women in leadership roles. The conversation also touches on the role of men in promoting gender equality and shares reflections on global conflicts, individual power, and hope for the future.
Promoting women in leadership roles for economic empowerment.
Trade liberalization can enhance gender equality through education and skills development.
Deep dives
The Importance of Women in Leadership
There is a persistent issue of too few women in leadership positions, although they have demonstrated their capability to excel. The podcast underscores the challenges women face when entering male-dominated spaces. The impactful discussion between Christine Lagarde and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala touched on women's economic empowerment and the need for gender balance in workplaces. Their insights reflect the ongoing relevance of promoting women in leadership roles to create a more balanced and inclusive society.
The Impact of Geopolitical Tensions on Trade and Gender Equality
As geopolitical tensions rise and the world trade landscape shifts, there is a risk of regression in women's economic empowerment. The podcast highlights the importance of trade in advancing women's rights and equality. It discusses how trade liberalization can contribute to gender equality by enhancing educational opportunities and skills development for women. The changing nature of globalization underscores the need to address potential inequalities and maintain progress in empowering women economically.
Addressing Gender Disparities through Policy and Leadership
The conversation delves into the significance of policy interventions and leadership roles in bridging gender disparities. Initiatives like the G-Win program and efforts to increase women's representation in decision-making positions are crucial for promoting gender equality. Policy changes, such as ensuring equal pay and incorporating gender considerations in trade negotiations, are highlighted as essential steps. The discussion emphasizes the role of both men and women in driving meaningful change and fostering inclusivity.
Challenges Faced by Women of Color and the Importance of Diversity
The podcast sheds light on the additional barriers women of color encounter, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and mindsets. Driven by evidence-based approaches, the discussion stresses the importance of promoting financial literacy among women and supporting their economic empowerment. The focus on structural and systemic changes, along with mentorship and policy adjustments, aims to address inequalities and create a more diverse and equitable environment for all individuals.
Last year, on International Women's Day, the WTO community was treated to a special event. Two prominent women in the global economy came together for a candid conversation about women's economic empowerment, gender balance in the workplace, and more. The discussion with Christine Lagarde, who serves as the President of the European Central Bank, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, was moderated by CNN International's Eleni Giokos.
The event was held on 8 March 2023.
You can watch the full event, including the segment with questions from the audience, here:
Learn more about the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, launched at the sidelines of the WTO's Thirteenth Ministerial Conference in February 2024, here: