Our President Lori Russo and Senior Advisor Donna Leinwand Leger recently traveled to Iceland for the Reykjavík Global Forum. The annual event brings together more than 400 women leaders from dozens of countries to address the barriers limiting gender parity in all sectors of society, business, and politics. Trailblazers, including Iceland’s President Halla Tomasdottir, Nobel Peace Prize Laurate Maria Ressa, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong, Canada’s First Lady Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Iceland’s former First Lady Eliza Reid, journalists, lawmakers, and non-profit leaders, explored the global state of democracy, emerging technology issues, economic inclusion, women’s health, and climate solutions.? Following are their three key takeaways from the forum: ???????????????? ???? ?????? ????????????????????. Early data from the 2024 Reykjavik Index for Leadership, a study by Verian Group measuring perceptions on the suitability of women and men for leadership positions, show a decline across all G7 countries in respondents’ confidence in a woman’s ability to serve as head of government. Even more concerning are data showing that in most G7 countries, young people have more negative views than their parents about women in power. This raises questions about how the next generation’s experiences with financial struggles, the backsliding of personal rights, global crises and more are influencing their views on their own ability to lead in the future. ?????????????? ???? ??????????’?? ???????????? ?????????????????? ??????????????????. The rollback of women’s rights and human rights in general is often one of the first signs of a weakening democracy. Experts noted that when governments pass laws targeting the rights of women and marginalized populations, it often signals a shift away from democracy to populism. The 2024 Gender Snapshot from UN Women notes that not a single indicator under Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality is fully achieved, and many countries, rather than advancing legislation to promote equality, are passing laws to reverse previous gains. ?????? ?????? ???????????????????????? ?? “???????????? ???? ????????????????????.” The State of American Men report found that two thirds of Gen Z men feel isolated, misunderstood, and lost. These feelings can affect how they view women. Gary Barker, PhD, CEO of Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice, suggested that we need to reframe masculinity and invite men to become allies in the fight for equality. “If we care for them, they become caring humans,” he said. “Our time in Reykjavik gave us the opportunity to learn, to think and to connect with powerful ideas and thoughtful, passionate people,” said Leinwand Leger. Russo added, “We are entering 2025 full of new ideas and energized to bring them to fruition. We are grateful to the leaders at the Reykjavik Global Forum for delivering a powerful, inspiring and actionable program.”
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