Building Back Better: The Role of Women in the Recovery
I was pleased to host my latest virtual blog breakfast with Stephenie Foster on 'Building Back Better: The Role of Women in the Recovery'.
It was an opportunity to bring together people, from business, government and NGOs to discuss the vital role women have to play in the road to recovery after the pandemic. We met at a challenging moment when the USA has been experiencing a surge in hate crime, specifically targeting Asian-Americans. We asked our friends and colleagues Cindy Chin and Wenchi Yu to share their personal perspectives and experiences with the group. This was a critical moment for us to understand their first-hand experience, as well as to discuss what we can all do to combat this deep routed racism. I want to take this opportunity to thank both Cindy and Wenchi for being so open with the group in sharing their experiences and perspectives with the group.
The rest of the discussion raised other important points in terms of the role of women in the recovery. Below I have outlined the key topics and take-aways:
Authentically giving women a voice
We recognised that the world is taking leaps forward in creating a more equitable work environment with more women in leadership roles. However, it was clear that there is a challenge around women particularly being given artificial titles that are designed to externally reflect change, but in reality do not deliver it at every level.
Create space around the table
We discussed how women bring so much to the table that it does not make business sense to not include them. It is proven that having women around the table, you get a shift in perspective; decisions are made better and space is created for broader perspectives. However, more needs to be done to ensure women can remain at the table and have the support they need, especially in their child baring years. We heard from many women who are starting their own businesses to create a new way of working and leading.
Amplify women’s voices
We identified the importance of amplifying women’s voices, whether it’s through social networks like Twitter and Instagram or encouraging more women to stand for elected office.
Decline in funding for female founders
We shared that the pandemic has had a detrimental impact on female founded businesses. During the pandemic, funding for female founded businesses dropped by 31% versus 16% for male founders.
Maintain the spotlight on human rights issues
We must continue to focus on other human rights issues affecting the world including in Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, Belarus, Poland and Turkey.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the blog breakfast and shared their thoughts and point of view. I will look forward to bringing such an interesting group of people together again soon.
All the best,
Baroness Goudie
