Women are not just part of change – they ARE the change. This conference emerged from a group of women in the G100 wing of Communication, Advocacy & Mediation, who came together to courageously address topics that may be unpopular but are necessary to engage with for inclusive growth. With this spirit, prominent figures from various sectors were invited to discuss and deliberate on a manifesto with concrete inputs. It was most inspiring to see all united in their determination to turn words into action.

The conference theme, “Women at the Heart of Progress: Development, Economy, and Sustainability,” emerged from our faith in the power of women to build a better future together by deconstructing taboos, identifying obstacles, and mapping a forward path. After all, progress requires questioning the status quo and taking collaborative action to achieve meaningful change.

In Portugal, as in many parts of the world, strategic decision-making still lacks a balance of perspectives, with women’s voices often underrepresented.

Thematic panels at the conference covered subjects such as economic transformation, sustainability, education, and public policies. All participants agreed that a unified commitment is urgently needed to promote real change, ensuring that talent, qualifications, and merit are genuinely recognized, regardless of gender.

We are convinced that a country that values diverse perspectives is better prepared for the future. Research has consistently shown that women are already leading businesses with responsibility, resilience, and forward-thinking vision. The female perspective brings more responsible, ethical, and resilient management models, driving organizational and societal transformation. Women-led companies foster faster and more sustainable economic growth, supported by compelling statistics. Achieving gender equality in the labor market and corporate leadership leads to increased economic growth, innovation, and profitability. Companies with diverse leadership tend to be more adaptable and resilient. While the number of female entrepreneurs is growing, accessing funding and support networks remains a significant challenge.

The female presence is crucial for the economy’s competitiveness and modernization. It’s essential to emphasize that women are not just participants but catalysts for economic transformation. Ensuring fair opportunities for women is not only a matter of equity but also a strategic necessity for sustainable development. In this regard, there’s no turning back—companies need more women in leadership roles, and they will only benefit from it. As we move forward, it’s vital to include both female and male leaders in our journey to bridge gaps and create an inclusive path to a future where everyone can thrive.

Sustainability is no longer optional; it has become essential for businesses to remain competitive. Technological innovation and digitalization are crucial for ensuring sustainable development and integrating responsible practices across all areas of business and public policy. Notably, female leadership has played a key role in implementing management models that uphold Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, embrace the circular economy, and prioritize social responsibility.

In education, it’s essential that both boys and girls grow up understanding that equality is not a threat but rather an advantage for everyone. Investing in female empowerment directly benefits the progress and innovation of society as a whole. Education empowers women, reduces inequalities, and increases political and economic participation, ultimately creating a more equitable society.

However, structural barriers continue to limit women’s access to traditionally male-dominated fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). To foster more diverse, creative, and productive teams, we need to encourage more girls and women to pursue these areas. This highlights the importance of female leadership programs, soft skills training, and policies supporting career advancement within organizations. To achieve meaningful change, schools and educational institutions must also challenge stereotypes from an early age, empowering girls and boys to explore all areas of knowledge without gender-based restrictions.

Through public policies and global alliances for equality, we can explore how governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and academic institutions can collaborate to reduce inequalities, create opportunities for women, and ensure a more equitable future. Achieving gender equality requires collective effort; international partnerships are crucial for sharing best practices and effective solutions. The UN, European Commission, OECD, and World Bank play a vital role in setting global goals and providing policy recommendations. Additionally, European funds support companies implementing diversity and inclusion policies, while also facilitating data collection and periodic reports to assess policy impact.

It is important to note that despite existing legislation ensuring equal pay, equitable parental leave, combating gender harassment and violence, and greater female representation in politics and business, strict enforcement and further action are still required to ensure these policies are not merely symbolic but translate into real practice.

Challenges persist, and continuous commitment from governments, businesses, and civil society is necessary. Change only occurs with political will, concrete measures, and cooperation between nations, businesses, and citizens. Building a fairer, more equal future is a collective task. Portugal will only be truly competitive and innovative if women have the same opportunities as men in politics, the economy, science, technology, and other sectors.

Talent and intelligence have no gender, but unfortunately, opportunities still do. However, conferences and platforms like ours help create spaces for opportunities, foster partnerships, and empower solution-driven initiatives. Together, we can bridge the gap and drive meaningful change.

Linda Pereira

G100 Global Chair, Communication, Advocacy & Mediation