AGENDA: 14th Annual International Women’s Day Forum

While women and girls the world over have experienced better access to health and wellness services, more opportunities for improvement are still being created. On one side of the health and wellness spectrum, the work continues to ensure women and girls have access to basic human rights and needs, such as safety, nutrition, healthcare, education, and the ability to earn income. On the other side, those with existing access to basic needs grapple with the responsibilities of family life, work life, and personal well being – at times, leading to stress, overload, and burnout. Learn about partnerships with the reach, scale, and outcomes that are improving lives across the wellness spectrum.

Investing in Women at the Frontlines of Health | Great Hall

Every day around the world, women are at the frontlines of healthcare in remote and under-resourced areas, especially emergency settings. But in both the formal health system and the community, midwives, health workers, volunteers, and other women leaders often don't have the support they need to protect and advance health. This session will share learnings from a unique model that equipped women to lead, advance health outcomes, and address chronic diseases in a protracted emergency – and proof-points for how intentional investment in women can fill critical gaps and strengthen core preparedness and resilience, in health systems and communities globally.

The American Psychological Association reported in 2023 that “decades of studies show women leaders help increase productivity, enhance collaboration, inspire organizational dedication, and improve fairness.” Women’s representation in historically male-dominated professions and in leadership roles has continued to rise, inspiring generations of women and girls to dream and endeavor in ever-evolving ways. Join our trailblazing speakers as we look at their participation as women in typically underrepresented professions and help us celebrate the profound effects their presence is having on others, both today and for the future.

Empowering women in the workplace helps advance our society, propel economic mobility for women and their families, and improve business outcomes. Every organization can play a role in increasing representation of women and creating cultures that help more women build meaningful careers and achieve leadership roles. Shannon Favazza, Head of Analytics for Edward Jones, will address ways businesses can help more women thrive in the workplace, from mentoring and advocacy to leadership training and peer support programs. Shannon will share insights and best practices that have helped the Edward Jones achieve significant representation in tech through recruiting and development strategies. She will also speak to the importance of creating opportunities for women to advance in traditionally male-dominated sectors and how this can shape the future of technology.

Some economic indicators are showing the value of women’s continued evolution in the workplace and as income earners. For example, U.S. household incomes are on the rise primarily due to dual incomes. However, old trends persist: women are paid less money than men, and they are underrepresented at the highest ranks of business and in their access to capital and wealth-building. This session’s speakers will share insights and lessons from their work to help advance more economic opportunities for women. A stronger women's economy means stronger communities and businesses.