Our UNGA79 Agenda & EqualFuture: Rethinking Gender Equality For A Thriving Tomorrow

As we gather for the annual UNGA79 Agenda, the call to action is clear: it is time to rethink gender equality in a bold new way that fosters a thriving economy, a sustainable planet, and a healthier world for women and girls. The World Woman Future Forum is committed to making the #EqualFuture a reality, bringing together some of the world’s most visionary female leaders to discuss and debate how we can collectively deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG2030) in innovative and impactful ways.

One of the most pressing issues that emerged from our discussions was the impact of conflict on women and girls, a crisis that demands urgent global attention. Alarming statistics revealed that up to 50% of women in conflict-affected areas might experience sexual violence, as highlighted by Tatiana Kotlyarenko, an international expert on sexual violence and human trafficking. During armed conflicts, incidents of trafficking surged by as much as 200%, exacerbating existing inequalities and leading to increased exploitation. The multifaceted challenges faced by women and girls in these tumultuous contexts underscored the necessity for targeted interventions that not only addressed immediate concerns but also contributed to building resilient and equitable societies in the aftermath of conflict. As one speaker poignantly stated, “Speaking of weapons, the war in Ukraine continues to impact women and girls where women are being prostituted more and more.”

Tatiana Kotlyarenko International expert on sexual violence in conflict and human trafficking.Shandra Woworuntu Former chair, International Survivor of Trafficking Advisory Council, OSCE - ODIHR andRuchira Gupta Emmy winning journalistHeather Wokusch Executive Director of MESPERO: Impact for Resilience,

Furthermore, driving sustainable futures through women's leadership in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) proved vital for fostering innovation and tackling global challenges. Despite representing nearly half of the global workforce, women occupied only about 28% of STEM roles, revealing a significant gender gap in fields essential for sustainable development. Studies indicated that increasing women’s participation in STEM could have resulted in a 20% boost in economic growth in developing countries. Companies with diverse leadership teams were also 21% more likely to outperform their counterparts in profitability, as research from McKinsey showed. As one leader advised, “If you have a woman who has leadership capacity, allow her to take that position.” Investing in women's leadership in these critical areas not only enhanced technological advancements but also inspired future generations, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous world.

Andrea Feigl igl, PhD MPH, Founder and CEO Health Finance Institute, Rashmi Joshi Founder Asha AI @Jyotsana Sankuratri, Head of Corporate Applications, Voya FinancialsJapNeet Kaur , Security & Risk Management Lead, IBM Stuti Jalan Founder, Women Inspiring Network

Women’s health remained intricately tied to the SDGs, particularly SDG 3, which sought to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. The World Health Organization reported that approximately 810 women died every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, underscoring the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare. Additionally, 1 in 5 women would experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, a statistic that highlighted the critical need for interventions aimed at achieving gender equality (SDG 5) and fostering peaceful societies (SDG 16). As one speaker highlighted, “We don’t even know how to quantify the pain that women feel when they experience endometriosis. These issues are just coming to light today.” Investing in women’s health was not just a moral obligation; it was an economic necessity, with potential returns of up to $4 for every $1 spent, according to the World Bank. Prioritizing women’s health was vital for advancing global development and ensuring that no one was left behind.

Women in Global Health Dr. Susan Mambo, PhD , WGH Kenya Dr.@Annick Sidibe WGH Burkina Faso Dr. Olayinka Badmus , WGH Nigeria @Gisela Pires Foz de Barros, MSc, Research and Advocacy Lead, WGH Brazil Dr. Agata Bloswick, Ph.D. , Global Health Advocate

In our pursuit of an #EqualFuture, we recognized that women's leadership was essential across all sectors. Companies with women in executive roles were 21% more likely to outperform their male counterparts in profitability, demonstrating the tangible benefits of gender-diverse leadership. If women had participated in the labor force at the same rate as men, global GDP could have increased by $28 trillion by 2025, according to research from McKinsey. As one powerful statement echoed, “If you don’t get a seat at the table, take a folding chair.” Women leaders drove innovation and resilience, bringing unique perspectives that contributed to more inclusive decision-making. As we strived for equity and sustainability, fostering women's leadership became critical for creating a balanced future where everyone had the opportunity to succeed.

Megan Camaisa maisa Co-Founder, CALIDI BIOTHERAPEUTICS Grace Choi Choi Founder and CEO of @Karis Consulting Group Angie Kamath h Dean, NYU School of Professional Studies Yasmin Yacoby oby Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of Energy Justice and Equity, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Irene Bueno o Co-Founder and Partner of NVG, LLC. LLC

Miri Rodriguez , Award-winning and Globally Recognized Storyteller and Senior Storyteller, Future of Work at Microsoft

Moreover, women increasingly led the charge in the AI revolution, ensuring that technological advancements were inclusive and equitable. Despite making up only 26% of the AI workforce, women played a crucial role in developing algorithms that addressed biases and considered diverse perspectives. Research from the World Economic Forum indicated that companies with gender-diverse teams were 15% more likely to outperform their peers. As the AI landscape continued to evolve, empowering women in this domain became essential for fostering innovation and ensuring that AI served all of humanity equitably.

As we gathered for UNGA79, we embraced a bold vision for a more equal future—one where women’s leadership and contributions were recognized, valued, and amplified. “The ability to engage older women brings out unique talents that other groups in society cannot. Universally, older women are trusted figures; they are politically savvy, they are culture keepers. Using these powers, you can design powerful programs.” Together, we turned the tide toward a thriving economy, a sustainable planet, and a healthier world for all women and girls. The time for action was now; the time for an #EqualFuture was here. In the words of a respected leader, “In giving, giving, giving, you tend to forget who you are and why you are doing what you’re doing.” Let us remember our purpose as we forge ahead in our quest for equality and empowerment.