Fast Forward

“Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.” This thought from Coretta Scott King resonates deeply with the message of Fast Forward: how can empowering women drive global social and economic change?

1. Women Propel Global Progress

Across the globe, women are becoming a dynamic force for societal and economic change. With more access to education and professional spaces, women are entering leadership roles in politics, business, and the arts. This is reshaping entrenched structures traditionally dominated by men.

For example, leaders like Angela Merkel, Hillary Clinton, and Christine Lagarde have paved the way in male-dominated arenas, demonstrating that women excel in governance and diplomacy. These women symbolize the influence women can wield when given opportunities and recognition.

Small businesses owned by women also play a massive role in economic development. In the United States alone, approximately nine million women-owned businesses contributed over $1.4 trillion in revenue in 2014. If more women were recruited into national workforces, such as in Egypt, GDP growth could increase dramatically—by an estimated 34 percent.

Examples

• Angela Merkel, as Chancellor of Germany, was a prominent global leader for over a decade.
• In the U.S., women-owned businesses employed about 7.9 million workers in 2014.
• Studies predict GDP surges in countries with equal workplace participation for women.

2. Gendered Violence Is Pervasive and Must End

Around the world, women often live under the threat of violence and discrimination. Sexual violence, child marriage, genital mutilation, and sex trafficking are just some devastating realities many women face.

In parts of Afghanistan, sexual violence has been weaponized against women and their families. In the United States, over 30% of women have endured stalking, assault, or other violence from intimate partners. These issues cut across countries, cultures, and socioeconomic classes.

Yet, women continue to speak out against unjust norms. Initiatives like the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 in the United States aim to protect women and criminalize such behaviors. Organizations such as Girls Not Brides fight against child marriage, with global efforts in Africa, one of the worst-affected continents.

Examples

• Child marriage affects 75% of women in Niger.
• Over 30% of American women report surviving some form of violence.
• Girls Not Brides actively seeks to eradicate child marriage globally.

3. Diversity Strengthens Companies

Hiring more women in management and executive roles strengthens organizations. Research reveals that companies with women in top positions perform better financially and foster innovation.

Despite this, very few Fortune 500 companies have women in leadership. Only about 5% of CEOs in these companies are women, revealing the ongoing barriers like the persistent “glass ceiling.” This disparity cries out for attention, as studies show firms with three or more women on their boards see 50% higher equity returns.

Women leaders also excel in middle management roles, where they can innovate and connect with customers. Bea Perez, the chief sustainability officer at Coca-Cola, highlights this dynamic by encouraging her team to embrace ideas from all levels of the company.

Examples

• Companies with three or more female board members experience a 50% higher return on equity.
• Coca-Cola’s Bea Perez advocates for input from employees in all positions.
• Stronger gender diversity correlates with increased financial performance.

4. Uplifting Poorer Women Is Essential

Empowering only a select group of elite women won’t suffice; those at the base of society also need support. Women in rural areas or impoverished circumstances often have limited means to escape poverty and depend on external help to improve their lives.

Microcredit programs, such as those introduced by Grameen Bank, provide critical support. These small loans enable women to start businesses, improve their livelihood, and benefit local communities. Women recipients of microloans often report higher standards of living after launching businesses.

Big brands like Avon also assist impoverished women. The company trains sellers in poor regions to not only distribute products but also to advocate for health awareness and social issues.

Examples

• The Grameen Bank has distributed over $16 million in microloans to women entrepreneurs.
• Microloans as small as $27 allow women to build businesses.
• Avon Ladies in Brazil teach women breast cancer awareness in underserved areas.

5. Empowering Women Benefits Everyone

When women gain power, the ripple effects positively influence communities. This concept, called the multiplier effect, means one empowered woman inspires others in her surroundings to achieve success and lift themselves out of restrictive conditions.

Organizations like the 30% Club aim to increase female leadership, helping bring broader representation in corporate spaces. Similarly, initiatives like Project Nurture in Africa trained female farmers in mango production, increasing their incomes by as much as 140%.

Empowered women tend to uplift their families first, advocating for better education and healthcare for their children. This creates generational benefits, setting up long-term economic stability for families and communities.

Examples

• The 30% Club pushes for greater female leadership in FTSE-100 companies.
• Project Nurture helped African women farmers increase their income substantially.
• Women often invest earnings in their children’s education and health.

6. Businesswomen Face Unique Challenges

Even in developed countries, women entrepreneurs face steep hurdles. Many have limited access to capital due to discriminatory lending practices. In the United States, only 4.4% of business loans go to female entrepreneurs.

Some organizations, like Belle Capital, were created to fill this gap by investing specifically in women-owned or women-led businesses. Women also tend to run more socially responsible companies, focusing on solving environmental and community problems.

Innovations like Fresh Paper, an eco-friendly solution for preserving food without refrigeration, highlight how women’s businesses address sustainability while supporting poorer regions.

Examples

• Women receive just $1 compared to $23 loaned to men in business loans.
• Belle Capital exclusively funds businesses with female representation in leadership.
• Fresh Paper prevents food spoilage in parts of the world without electricity.

7. Purpose and Networking Transform Goals

Finding purpose helps women achieve meaning and fulfillment in their work and lives. A lack of purpose leads to stagnation, wasted potential, and dissatisfaction.

Pam Seagle, a former marketing executive, found her purpose after a traumatic event. She redirected her life to mentor young female leaders with the Global Ambassadors Program, which now supports women across South Africa, Haiti, and India.

Purpose-led work bonds like-minded individuals. Women can use networks to amplify their efforts, connect with those passionate about similar causes, and work collaboratively toward meaningful goals.

Examples

• Seagle redirected her career after surviving a plane crash.
• She collaborates with Bank of America’s Anne Finucane for greater global impact.
• The Global Ambassadors Program operates across several countries.

8. Education Shapes Future Equality

Education is the cornerstone of progress for women. Empowered through knowledge, girls and women become aware of their rights and unlock more doors to independence.

Malala Yousafzai embodies the spirit of education’s importance. After surviving a Taliban attack, she courageously fought for girls’ education and won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Her story encourages continued learning in regions where such opportunities are limited.

Educating women not only benefits them but also ensures a higher standard of living for families and communities.

Examples

• Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education won her a Nobel Peace Prize.
• Schools help girls escape systemic oppression like child marriage.
• Education for girls is linked to healthier, more prosperous communities.

9. Technology and Media Drive Awareness

Technology offers modern tools to promote equality. Online platforms can connect women to new opportunities, career options, and global movements for equity.

Projects like Girls Who Code teach programming to young women, enabling them to participate in science and technology spaces traditionally dominated by men. Greater media representation, promoted by figures like Meryl Streep and Angelina Jolie, encourages storytelling that highlights women’s challenges and achievements.

Addressing gender gaps in technology access and media coverage is essential to creating a balanced world.

Examples

• Girls Who Code aims to train one million young women by 2020.
• Meryl Streep pushes for more women-centric narratives in the media.
• Technology bridges gaps in education and career opportunities for rural women.

Takeaways

1. Seek support from networks or initiatives aimed at empowering women, like mentorship programs or advocacy groups.
2. Leverage education and technology to amplify career opportunities and become part of the global economy.
3. Find a sense of purpose and use it to connect with others who can help you achieve meaningful goals.