Live international debate on female leadership to take place today

‘We cannot ignore the fact that women have been affected disproportionately and in multiple ways: financially, mentally, physically, professionally’

The debates are taking place on International Women’s Day and will be broadcast from nine countries (Getty Images)

A live debate across nine countries is taking place today by leading women across business and politics on whether more women leadership would help the world move faster out of the pandemic crisis.

The founder and CEO of Athena40’s global conversation Elizabeth Filippouli leads the discussion by saying “we cannot ignore the fact that women have been affected disproportionately and in multiple ways:  financially, mentally, physically, professionally”.

The former television journalist told those joining the debates today: “Paving the way for more women into leadership positions is our only chance to recover fast from social and financial setbacks and it is also critically important for the emotional and psychological balance of our societies.”

The debates, to coincide with International Women’s Day, are being held live from 1:30 GMT in London, Amman, Beirut, Irvine, Karachi, Lago, Nairobi, Oregon and Zagreb. The debates are being streamed live on YouTube here.

HRH Princess Sumaya Bint El Hassan, president of the Royal Scientific Society, will open the global conversation.

The speakers covering five continents include: Margery Kraus, Founder & Executive Chairman of APCO Worldwide; Mary Carlin Yates, former ambassador of the US Department of State; Ivana Gažić, President of the Management Board of Zagreb Stock Exchange; Tsitsi Mutendi, Co-founder of African Family Firms, May Chidiac Former Minister & President of May Chidiac Foundation; Tram Anh Nguyen, Co-founder of the Centre for Finance, Technology & Entrepreneurship (CFTE); Leonor Stjepic, CEO of the Montessori Group; Diana Moukalled, Editor of Daraj Media, Hajara Kabeer, Founder of the Girl in STEM Initiative.

BBC’s news journalist and presenter Tim Wilcox will introduce and compere the global conversation.

Mary Carlin Yates, Ambassador (ret.) of the US Department of State, said:

“During my experience of 30 plus years as a diplomat, I witnessed civil wars and crises from Burundi to Liberia, Sudan to Somalia just to name a few. I can unequivocally testify that the contributions and leadership of women during such times was undeniably critical.”

Catherine Bolzendahl, Director of the School of Public Policy, Oregon State University, said:

“Women’s empowerment benefits everyone in society and continuing progress on gender equality cannot be abandoned in times of crisis.”