Never waste a crisis
Ann Cairns
Chair of TMF Group and Crown Agents Bank. Board member of Lightrock, excited about impact investing. Board member of London Business School. Passionate about equality delighted to see a UK gov with 44% female ministers
It’s no surprise women around the world have been disproportionally impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. There are numerous studies that prove it. Just this week UN Women said the pandemic risked turning back the clock on gender equality 25 years.
The latest Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, now in its fourth year, shows a staggering nine in ten of women business owners say they have been adversely affected. The study, across 58 economies, represents almost 80 per cent of the female labour force.
However, while women have been adversely affected – they have also shown great resilience and we must take these positives and use these to help drive us further toward gender equality. More than two in five have shifted to a digital business model and a third have identified new business opportunities since the pandemic.
They also have fantastic and inspiring role models. Female leaders such as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Prime Minister Sanna Marin of Finland have presided over some of the most successful efforts in containing Covid-19 while instilling order, assurance, trust and calm.
The ‘new normal’ presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to remove existing barriers, driving greater gender participation and parity for women in business. A crisis will always reveal vulnerabilities in the system but unlike any other economic downturn, Covid-19 has also paved the way for considerable progress and we have seen what can be achieved when priority is given.
We must not waste this crisis. As Governments plan their road to economic recovery they must ensure they are offering the right support programmes, solutions and innovation to enable women to thrive.
A full version of this article was first published in the Telegraph.
Global Events & Conferences | Bringing Audiences Together Worldwide | International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
4 年Susan Finnegan
CEO of FTSE Women Leaders Review, NED, Chair, Advisor to Boards and CEOs, Data Strategy/Privacy/D&I/Financial Crime Thought Leader, Expert and Policy Advisor. PICCASO Privacy Awards founder.
4 年A great article - the Covid crisis may have disproportionately impacted women, but it has also raised awareness of issues which will help businesses and society to accelerate the pace of change and push through the barriers to genuine equality of opportunity - find the silver lining!
Author | Product Owner | <How to be the CEO of your Career> Coach | UX Designer | Copywriter | Business Analyst
4 年I love this hopeful statement <The ‘new normal’ presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to remove existing barriers, driving greater gender participation and parity for women in business.> it makes us want to be part of the future!
Independent Non-Executive Board Director | Chair | Business Advisor | Dual-Qualified Solicitor (NP) | Former Law Firm Partner
4 年Yes Ann Cairns, we must focus on and action, this once in a generation opportunity for gender equity.
Keynote Speaker | Author | Board Director | Adjunct Faculty | Leadership Consultant | ex-Fortune 100 Executive | DBA, MBA, FCPA, FCMA, CPA (US)
4 年While pain is an inescapable consequence of crisis, making progress from crisis requires deliberate action - It is not automatic. Ann, thanks for your call to action.