when you advance women, you advance the economy – FQ @G20  

PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi: Shelly Zaylis Founder of The Female Quotient (The FQ), a business and engine of equality for women and companies worldwide launched its equality Lounge at the G20, marking a historic moment in the global push for Gender equality.

The Female Quotient Lounge @ G20 builds on a legacy of pioneering work. Beginning at the World Economic Forum in 2016, The FQ first created an inclusive space where women were historically underrepresented. Today, the Equality Lounge® is the destination for conscious leaders to collaborate and inspire collective action for change at the world’s biggest industry conferences, including The World Economic Forum, Cannes, CES, and Advertising Week, among others. The Female Quotient’s partners at the Equality Lounge® at G20 include Deloitte and Tonomus.Neom.

Due to the leadership gap of women heads of state around the world, the G20 Summit has a history of underrepresentation. Currently, there are two women leaders – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the President of the European Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen – who were invited to the official G20 Summit, yet neither has attended. What’s more, the agenda for the two-day G20 Summit did not address closing the gender gap directly.

The Equality Lounge® @ G20 provided insights, strategies, and solutions to address gender inequality comprehensively. The FQ is actively working to inspire a new narrative and intentional mindset to break down barriers and drive meaningful change.

“It is reported that the gender gap won’t close for another 132 years, yet we were able to create a life-saving vaccine in less than one year, ” said Shelley Zalis, CEO and founder of The Female Quotient. “It’s time to make gender equality a priority at the G20 because when you advance women, you advance the economy.”

The eminent participants from India at the launch of Equity Lounge included Ms Vinita Bimbhet, Aarti Gupta, Kairavi Bharat Ram, & Preeti D’mello. With the Equality Lounge® at G20, the opportunity will arise for world leaders, policymakers, and industry titans to change the equation and work collaboratively to close the gender gap.

Celestia brings you the highlights of Equality Lounge from G20 India:

Equality Check: Where Do We Stand with Gender Equality Today

The World Economic Forum predicts we are still 131 years away from reaching gender equality, while women represent just 32% of senior management roles globally. But data shows a diverse workforce is an innovative workforce; elevating women—especially those from marginalized and underrepresented communities—is a business imperative. Join us as we check in on our progress to gender equality across sectors, identify what still needs to be done, and having more women in executive roles will redefine our workplace as we understand it.

Investing in Women’s Economic Development

Women are at the heart of our transforming global economy. Even in a fluctuating economy, they hold influence as the highest spending consumers for their households. Yet women remain behind when exercising their own financial power, with only 30% of women considered financially literate worldwide. In turn, women are less likely to identify their monetary worth, ask for raises, and receive financial education. In this discussion, we’ll unpack why accessibility is essential for women to reach financial security.

Unlocking Inclusive Education for the Next Generation

While gender gaps are narrowing across some sectors around the world, low-income countries still face wide disparities in schooling. Why is the enrollment for girls in primary school at 78% in low-income countries, compared to the world average of 88%? The numbers worsen as girls in developing countries get older, with a mere 31% enrolled in secondary school. Join us for a transparent conversation on how leaders at the forefront of education reform and transformation can advocate for equitable access for the next generation of girls.

The Data Point: Why Women are Cracking the Code in Cybersecurity

More than ever, we have reached a digital era where our online presence is seeking heightened protection. What’s one solution? Employing women across the cybersecurity pipeline. When women are at the leading-edge of technology, we create a more dynamic digital world and safer space for everyone. In this panel conversation, we will explore the need for more women in cybersecurity leadership roles and how this will positively impact cyber risk management overall.

Claiming Your Agency: How Women Are Culture Changers In and Outside of the Home

Due to social norms and patriarchal standards, women continue to be held back from making decisions around public affairs, expected to primarily fulfill caretaking roles at home. It’s time for women around the world to reclaim their narrative and use their voices to advocate for themselves, their families and communities. Join us as we discuss how Indian women today can celebrate their culture while succeeding in their careers, and what steps can be taken to empower more women to rediscover their agency and ignite change on a global scale.

Join Equality Lounge