Women and Economic Decision-Making - Davos 2013

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Women in Economic Decision-making How can gender gaps be closed at the highest levels of economic decision-making? Dimensions to be addressed: - Increasing female graduates in relevant fields - Overcoming mid-career development hurdles - Exploring potential of regulatory intervention * Drew Gilpin Faust, President, Harvard University, USA * Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Heidrick & Struggles, USA * Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Washington DC; World Economic Forum Foundation Board Member * Lubna S.

Originally posted on May 12, 2013 
Some of the most influential women in world discussed how to close gender-gaps at the highest levels of economic decision-making at the 2013 World Economic Forum.

The panelists include:

  • Lubna Alolayan, Deputy Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Olayan Financing Company
  • Drew Gilpin Faust, President, Harvard University
  • Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF); World Economic Forum Foundation Board Member
  • Viviane Reding, Vice-President and Commissioner, Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, European Commission
  • Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Board, Facebook; Young Global Leader Alumnus
  • Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Heidrick & Struggles

Key points for Saudi women: 

  • It makes economic sense to improve the situation of women in regards to health, education, and employment. 
  • Why applying a quota for employing women is sometimes necessary. 
  • The importance of female role-models and examples of female leadership.
  • The role of major Arab companies in aiding women to develop their professional skills. They need to hire, promote, and mentor women until they have the right qualifications. 
  • There needs to be a focus from the CEO's, boards, and chairmen of companies to put pressure on the middle-management and be responsible for ensuring that women are being hired and promoted.  
  • Women should not be distracted by things that will take away from what they are trying to accomplish.