Progress towards gender equality has stalled. Women remain underrepresented at every level in the corporate pipeline, yet a growing number of businesses are scaling back, watering down or abandoning their diversity, equality and inclusion policies. No country has, so far, achieved the promise of gender equality envisioned by the UN’s 2030 sustainable development goals. How (and why) should CEOs bring about positive change? What are the biggest systemic and societal barriers to parity? Why are young men and women drifting further apart in their political views and what are the ramifications of this growing global gender divide?
Join us on 17th June for the Women in Business Summit, the FT’s global flagship event on gender equality and inclusive leadership. Gathering senior executives across all sectors for thought-provoking keynotes, lively debates and powerful talks, the summit will explore how to rebuild momentum around diversity, strategies to boost representation in the highest seats of power, and the future of women at work.
Event Schedule:
Tue, Jun 17
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM GMT +1
Registration and Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM GMT +1
Welcome Remarks
9:05 AM – 9:25 AM GMT +1
Insights: Where Are We Now? Politics and the New Global Gender Divide
A major political chasm has opened between young men and women, sparked by a backlash against the #MeToo movement and efforts for gender equality, alongside growing enthusiasm for gendered entertainment and news sources. What are the cultural consequences of this divide? How do we repair a polarized generation?
9:25 AM – 9:55 AM GMT +1
Opening Keynote Interview
9:55 AM – 10:10 AM GMT +1
Lightning Talk
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM GMT +1
View from the Top: How We Did It – Episode 1
Hear from a CEO on the strategies and policies to close the gender gap, promote a culture of respect, and incentivize progressive action.
10:30 AM – 10:55 AM GMT +1
Networking Break
10:55 AM – 11:25 AM GMT +1
Keynote Interview
11:25 AM – 12:05 PM GMT +1
Panel: Will DEI Survive?
DEI is under threat globally, with many companies dismantling their inclusion programs and states limiting diversity initiatives. What’s needed to rebuild momentum, and how will diversity and inclusion efforts evolve?
12:05 PM – 12:25 PM GMT +1
View from the Top: How We Did It – Episode 2
Hear from a CEO on effective strategies to close the gender gap, promote respect, and incentivize progress.
12:25 PM – 12:40 PM GMT +1
Lightning Talk
12:40 PM – 1:50 PM GMT +1
Networking Lunch
1:50 PM – 2:20 PM GMT +1
Keynote Interview
2:20 PM – 3:10 PM GMT +1
Panel: Fixing the Hiring Bias: Is AI a Step Forward for Women?
Women remain underrepresented in the corporate pipeline. Is AI helping or hindering recruitment? Can AI filter out bias, or does it risk reinforcing stereotypes? How can companies find the right candidates amid a global skills shortage?
3:10 PM – 3:30 PM GMT +1
View from the Top: How We Did It – Episode 3
Hear from a CEO on closing the gender gap, promoting inclusion, and incentivizing action.
3:30 PM – 3:55 PM GMT +1
Networking Break
3:55 PM – 4:10 PM GMT +1
Lightning Talk
4:10 PM – 4:50 PM GMT +1
Panel: The Future of Work: A Manifesto for 2030
Is Amazon’s shift away from hybrid work a sign of things to come? What needs to be done now to reshape the workplace for the future? Join us in creating the ideal blueprint for the workplace of 2030.
4:50 PM – 5:20 PM GMT +1
Closing Keynote Interview
5:20 PM – 5:25 PM GMT +1
Key Takeaways and Closing Remarks
5:25 PM – 7:00 PM GMT +1
Drinks Reception