SallyDunbar
Mrs.Dunbar
GWNZ
13/3/25 – Empowerment of Women in Politics, Economy and Education
Parallel event
The International Council of Women(ICW), Welcome Clubs International(WCI), and Korean Institute for Women and Politics(KIWP)
Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Human rights of women, Education and training of women, Violence against women, Women and poverty, Institutional mechanisms
SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG17 – Partnerships to achieve the Goal
Bullying (2016), Harassment (2016), Building Peace through Women’s Education (2019), To end under representation of women in media as a positive contribution to improve the status of all women in the world (2022), Violence Against Women in Politics (2022), Climate Emergency – Declarations and Action Plans (2022)
This session aligns strongly with GWNZ’s advocacy work, particularly in promoting women’s leadership, financial independence, and political participation. GWNZ has long supported initiatives that encourage women to take on leadership roles, and the session’s discussion on breaking down structural barriers in politics and the economy reinforces this commitment. The emphasis on mentorship, intergenerational collaboration, and institutional support aligns with GWNZ’s efforts to create strong networks that empower women and girls to pursue leadership positions. The call for systemic policy shifts to close the gender pay gap and ensure women have equal access to funding and opportunities is also an area where GWNZ is currently advocating for change at the national level.
Additionally, the session’s focus on financial empowerment and digital inclusion resonates with GWNZ’s mission to advance education and economic security for women. Discussions around social protection systems, wealth-building strategies, and gender-responsive technology highlight key areas where GWNZ can continue to advocate for policies that support women’s financial independence and economic resilience. The recognition that gender equality must be embedded in decision-making structures aligns with GWNZ’s ongoing work in policy influence and governance representation. This session reinforced the need for bold, collective collaborative action—a principle that sits at the heart of GWNZ’s advocacy efforts for a more equitable future.
This event, co-hosted by the International Council of Women (ICW), Welcome Clubs International (WCI), and the Korean Institute for Women and Politics (KIWP), evaluated progress since the Beijing Declaration and addressed barriers that continue to limit women’s full participation in politics and the economy.
Key Takeaways from the panel:
1. The Gender Leadership Gap
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in leadership across politics and business. In 2024, only 27% of parliamentary seats and 23% of cabinet positions worldwide were held by women, with just 10.4% of Fortune 500 CEOs being female. The 20% global gender pay gap reinforces financial disparities that hinder women from entering politics, where funding is crucial.
2. Barriers to Women’s Political Participation
Structural barriers, including economic and social biases, masculine political culture, and psychological violence, continue to discourage women from entering politics. Gender-based political violence is normalised and must be actively addressed. Women need funding, networks, and institutional support to run for office.
3. Economic Inequality and Women’s Financial Empowerment
With men holding the majority of global wealth, women’s financial independence is critical to closing the gap. Solutions discussed included:
• Care infrastructure to prevent women from being forced out of the workforce.
• Asset management strategies to help women build and retain wealth.
• Social protection systems to ensure economic security for vulnerable women.
4. Technology’s Role in Gender Equality
Safe and secure digital tools like Harnessmap and SafetyPin help women access information and build networks while staying protected from online threats. Gender-inclusive technology must be prioritised to strengthen women’s participation in governance, economics, and policymaking.
5. Collaboration and Collective Action
Intergenerational collaboration is key—honouring the wisdom of older generations while empowering young women to lead change. The fight for gender equality must move beyond rhetoric and result in policy shifts that prioritise care, inclusivity, and women’s economic control.
Final message: Women make up 52% of the global population—why are others still determining our lives? It’s time to shift power, build a critical mass of women in leadership, and ensure gender equality is embedded in all decision-making.
{How can the session serve GWI members on local. national and/or international levels?:15}
This session presents a key opportunity for GWI and GWNZ to strengthen their advocacy for women’s leadership and political participation. With structural barriers still limiting women’s access to decision-making roles, both organisations can push for policy changes that promote gender-balanced leadership and increased support for women in governance. This could involve partnering with government agencies, lobbying or partnering with those that offer leadership training programmes, and advocating for financial resources that help women run for office and take on executive roles. The call for intergenerational collaboration and mentorship already aligns with GWNZ’s existing work in fostering strong networks that empower women across generations.
Another tangible opportunity lies in financial empowerment and digital inclusion. The session underscored the importance of economic security, financial literacy, and digital tools in enabling women to participate fully in governance and policymaking. GWI and GWNZ could explore partnerships with financial institutions and technology providers to support initiatives that enhance women’s financial independence and access to safe digital platforms. By advocating for policies that prioritise social protections and wealth-building strategies, both organisations can help drive systemic change that empowers women to not only participate but lead in shaping the future.
