ABOUT SAADIA ZAHIDI
GENDER EQUALITY
“ The way that these various pieces of legislation and public policy attempt to narrow the gender gap vary greatly , ranging from requirements of at least one woman in board participation , through to tracking and reporting on promotion , as well as recording recruitment and gender pay gaps throughout all occupational levels .
Eaton Gaul says that while this should be driven by equality as a moral imperative , there is also an economic benefit , in that increased diversity will better equip organisations to improve corporate culture , boost business performance and help support the advancement of solutions that overcome complex global challenges , and drive sustainability .
“ Legislation and public policies may be a driver of change but for there to be a robust and pervasive shift towards gender equality
– or any form of equality – the need for it has to be internalised at an individual level . If this does not occur , every time there is significant disruption it will expose the same deeply rooted vulnerabilities , as was the case during COVID-19 .
“ Every person in a corporate environment is presented with opportunities to do better
ABOUT SAADIA ZAHIDI
Zahidi has a BA in Economics from Smith College ; an MPhil in International Economics , from the Graduate Institute Geneva ; and an MPA from Harvard University .
In addition , she has held a number of positions at the World Economic Forum , including : Economist ( 2003-2005 ); Head of Gender Parity Programme ( 2005-2011 ); Head of Civil Society ( 2008-2011 ); Head of Employment and Gender Initiatives ( 2013- 2016 ); Head of Education , Gender and Work ( 2016-2018 ).
Zahidi is currently Head of the Centre for the New Economy and Society , and Member of the Managing Board .
She is Co-Author of Forum reports on Human Capital , Gender Gaps and Future of Jobs . Author , Fifty Million Rising ( 2018 ).
Zahadi is also a recipient of honours and awards , including : BBC 100 Women ( 2013 and 2014 ); Financial Times / McKinsey inaugural Bracken Bower Prize ( 2014 ); long listed for FT / Mckinsey Business Book of the Year ( 2018 ). Interests : future of work , education and skills , income inequality and using big data for public good .
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