VANCOUVER, B.C.–Although one credit union organization formed for female CU leaders has seen robust growth since its founding some 15 years ago, its members were told there is still considerable work to be done when it comes to closing the gender gap across all industries.
In a room of more than 300 people from more than 30 different countries, Lena Giakoumopoulos, executive director of Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN), pointed to a World Economic Forum report that indicates it will be more than a century before the gender gap is closed.
“For some of the countries here today we are not where we want to be,” Giakoumopoulos said. “We have to keep striving. We are doing this for the future generations, for our daughters and sons, and for their children.”
Giakoumopoulos said there are many things members of GWLN and women can do individually and collectively to have a broader impact on their communities, their regions and their countries.
More Than a Century to Go
“It will be 131 more years until we reach full global equity,” said Giakoumopoulos, pointing to the World Economic Forum estimate. “Each year I reference this report because it’s very important for us to think about it and what it truly means to us. At GWLN, we think about what it means for us as a program that’s about advancing women in leadership roles.”
Giakoumopoulos noted that a focus of GWLN is “connect, inspire and empower.”
“I think we do this each and every single day, but I think it’s important that we continue to do it,” Giakoumopoulos stated. “It’s not just about inspiring ourselves, it’s about inspiring others.”
A Challenge Before Leaving
To that end, Giakoumopoulos challenged attendees to think about what kind of action they want to take, what it is they are seeking, and how they are advocating for themselves, networking, and elevating other women into leadership.
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