What business executives say about Empowering women
- “The attitudes, perceptions, and dialogue by men can either hinder or enable women empowerment. So as men, we must go beyond grasping the concept — we must break down the stereotypes. We must stop sweeping this under the rug and instead step up to advocate, teach, and inspire – not just by what we say but in everything we do. The adverse intergenerational impact of gender inequality has to stop with our generation and men have to play their part. Remember: Empower women, empower the world.”
“One cannot echo enough the importance of economically empowering women. It has been recognized that enhancing the lot of a woman, given her pivotal role in the household, impacts the family unit and ultimately, the community. As we celebrate International Women’s Day let us learn to cherish our women. The development of our nation is hinged on the happiness and well-being of our women.”
Lyndell Danzie, Managing Director, Cerulean Inc - “There are many strong businesswomen – the vendors in Regent Street or Stabroek Market, the dressmakers, designers, the artisans – who we need to showcase. They are the women saving money and working on cooperative-type savings like box hands. These entrepreneurs need access to finance and markets whether it be domestic, regional or international through value added. An investment in women is an investment in change! #BeBoldForChange! Happy International Women’s Day from Cerulean Inc.”
“It is critical that women take up the challenge of not just being empowered but taking it to the next level – that is, reaching out for opportunities and at the same time paying it forward. Realizing the importance of their valuable contribution towards the sustainable social and economic development, women should develop leadership and mentorship skills and capacity, so that each one helps one. Whilst this is fundamental, personal development is an ongoing process given the technological advancement globally. Each one must harness the role of conquering their challenges.”
Valrie Grant, Managing Director GeoTechVision - “There are many women in unconventional fields or traditionally male-dominated disciplines who are breaking barriers and are trailblazers in their industries. We must support innovative entrepreneurship that focuses on new methods, ideas and business models that challenges the status quo and solves big local, regional and global problems, thus creating economic and social value. Research and innovation must be deliberate actions. We must also support the next generation of women business leaders and change makers to pursue their dreams. We must collectively be bold for change.
In order to accelerate this change more cross-sector collaboration between government, businesses, academia and non-profits is needed. This kind of change will foster dynamic business activity and build, foster and grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Women entrepreneurs must recognize their role and true worth in the social and economic development of any society. Let’s celebrate and amplify women entrepreneurs today.”
“While women make up approximately 50 per cent of our population, we do come from a history of male dominance in the private sector. Due to more involvement and investment in education within the last few decades, there has been a noticeable improvement in the number of women elevated to senior positions. Yet it is not enough.
In addition to technical competence and skills, women bring many important values to the workplace such as empathy, discipline and attention to detail. When we create an environment that allows them to realize their truest potentials, we will see their contributions having a more significant impact on the economy. More importantly, the key to moving forward may lie in women themselves believing in the power they hold and their ability to shatter the glass ceiling.”