The Week That Was: Global Women Empowerment News Overview (17th July - 22nd July)

Global women leaders have made remarkable strides in the political arena. Many have risen to prominent positions as heads of state, presidents, prime ministers, and chancellors, leading their countries with vision and determination. These leaders have advocated for policies that promote gender equality, women's rights, and social justice. They have worked tirelessly to address pressing issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and climate change, aiming to create a better future for their nations and the world at large.

In the realm of business and corporate leadership, women have shattered glass ceilings and proven their capabilities as adept decision-makers and strategists. Rising to the top ranks of multinational companies and serving on boards of directors, these global women leaders have played a crucial role in driving innovation, economic growth, and social responsibility. They have championed diversity and inclusion in the workplace, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in achieving sustainable success. 

Let's recognise and celebrate the achievements of women throughout the world at (theglobalwomanleader.com)

WiM's Report Finds High Rates of Career Dissatisfaction Among Women in Media

A new report released by Women in Media (WiM) says that more than half of women working in the field of media (of the ones surveyed) either feel dissatisfied or are uncertain about their careers.

The report has been created by WiM, a charity. It made public the outcome of their Industry Insight Report for 2023, concluding that almost one-third of women are thinking about leaving their jobs in the next 12 months. Over half of the women surveyed also felt that the media industry’s commitment to gender equality as ‘weak/very weak’.

Gulf International Bank (GIB) & PLAYBOOK Partner to Empower Female Leaders & Promote Diversity in Workplace

Gulf International Bank (GIB) and PLAYBOOK, a leading global platform for professional development and networking, have joined forces to empower and support the career advancement of female leaders within GIB. This partnership aims to provide a curated ecosystem of learning resources, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities for all female GIB workers in the GCC, Europe, and the USA.

Through this collaboration, female employees at GIB now have access to a wide range of valuable resources. These include masterclasses, seminars, executive speaker sessions, a mentoring program, and various networking opportunities both online and offline. The carefully selected learning materials are designed to help women overcome leadership obstacles and contribute to the creation of inclusive and welcoming workplaces that offer equal access to opportunities.

WHAIafrica & Keystone Bank's Women Economic Empowerment Committee Join Forces to Enhance Female-Owned Businesses

In a collaborative effort aimed at improving the lives of female entrepreneurs in Mbaise, Imo State, Whispering Hope Africa Initiative (WHAIafrica) and Keystone Bank's Women Economic Empowerment Committee (KWEEC) have joined forces. The partnership seeks to provide practical support and enhance the entrepreneurial skills and economic prospects of women-owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the community.

Helen Maiyegun, the Directorate Head for Lagos and West at Keystone Bank, emphasized the program's objective of empowering hardworking women by equipping them with essential entrepreneurial knowledge and skills. The partnership between Keystone Bank and WHAIafrica reflects the bank's commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and creating an enabling environment for women to thrive in their businesses. The integration of financial literacy and entrepreneurial know-how will play a crucial role in achieving these goals.

Accomplished Indian-American Businesswoman Shamina Singh Appointed to US President's Export Council

Shamina Singh, a prominent Indian-American businesswoman, has been appointed to the President's Export Council, the primary government advisory body for foreign commerce. This significant move comes after US President Joe Biden expressed his intention to include Shamina in the council. In addition to her role as Executive Vice President of Sustainability at Mastercard, Shamina is also the founder and president of the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth.

Expressing her gratitude, Shamina stated, "It is an immense honor for me to be a part of the distinguished leaders that make up the President's Export Council." She further added, "I have always gravitated towards work that contributes to the creation of inclusive, long-lasting prosperity for people and economies in the US and throughout the world. I look forward to serving the Administration, bringing this perspective to the Council, and having the chance to advance American economic interests around the world."

International Women's Media Foundation Honour The Washington Post Journalists for Coverage of Ukraine Conflict

The International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) has awarded The Washington Post's team of journalists with the prestigious 2023 Courage in Journalism Award for their exceptional coverage of the conflict in Ukraine during 2022. The award is bestowed annually upon women journalists who exhibit extraordinary bravery and dedication in uncovering the truth under challenging circumstances.

The recognized journalists include bureau director Isabelle Khurshudyan, Siobhan O'Grady, Anastacia Galouchka, and Kamila Hrabchuk, who are currently stationed full-time in Kyiv. 

Huntsville Businesswoman Receives Prestigious National Honour for Entrepreneurship

Brit Powell, the owner of Wolfe Co. Apparel, a thriving online clothing business based in Huntsville, has been recognized with a prestigious national honour. Out of thousands of applicants, Powell was chosen as one of only ten female company owners to receive the Visa She's Next Grant, a program in collaboration with York University.

In April, Brit applied for the Visa She's Next Grant program, and to her delight, she learned in June that she had been selected as one of the beneficiaries. The grant program not only provides each of the ten recipients with $10,000 but also includes a valuable one-year mentorship program. The initiative received approximately 3,500 applications, making Powell's achievement even more remarkable.

Chandani Wijewardena Creates History as the First Woman Acting Secretary to the President of Sri Lanka

Chandani Wijewardena has been appointed as the Acting Secretary to the President of Sri Lanka, making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position. The historic announcement was made by President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake while President Ranil Wickremesinghe was on an official visit to India.

This appointment reflects the remarkable progress Sri Lanka is making in promoting gender equality and empowering women in leadership roles. With an impressive career dating back to 1994 when she joined the Sri Lanka Planning Service, Wijewardena has held significant positions within the Treasury and achieved the esteemed role of Director General of the Planning Department. Her exemplary dedication and service have earned her recognition and respect within the civil service.