Over a transformative journey spanning 15 days and 7 Nordic–Baltic countries, the G100 network embarked on a powerful leadership tour aimed at deepening global connection, fostering collaboration, and championing systemic change through the lens of empowered feminine leadership.

Our journey began in Copenhagen on Denmark’s Constitution Day, a symbolic and historic backdrop for the G100 Meet & Greet held at the Danish Parliament, Christiansborg. We were honored by the presence and opening remarks of MP Yildiz Akgodan, who reflected on Denmark’s evolving journey toward gender equality.

G100 Founder Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai shared the movement’s global mission, followed by powerful addresses from respective Global Chairs Marianne Andersen on the importance of STEM education for girls, and Marianne Egelund Siig on embedding gender equity into consulting and legal ecosystems. Kirsten Stendevad’s inspiring keynote “The Future is Feminine” highlighted the need for soft power and feminine values in leadership today.

A visit to the historic Samtaleværelset brought us face-to-face with visual history: once lined with portraits of male lawmakers, the room now proudly displays a modern artwork by Mie Mørkeberg featuring 30 prominent women in Danish politics since women’s suffrage in 1915—a vibrant symbol of progress and parity.

Our day concluded with a warm evening of exchange and dinner at an Indian restaurant, where we also invited Mette Laursen, founder of The Chairs Agenda—a global initiative encouraging women to serve as board chairs for meaningful economic and societal impact.

In Vilnius, we were at the elegant Imperial Hotel. We met with inspiring leaders across different disciplines, notably business, community building, arts and science. The conversation flowed from policy to philosophy, centered around the empowering concept of Shakti—symbolizing both inner and outer strength.

We explored contrasting tax structures and their impact on social welfare. From the tax-free Gulf to the heavily taxed Nordic states, we discussed whether harmonized EU welfare guidelines could become a blueprint for equitable development.

Mental health, loneliness, and elderly isolation emerged as key regional challenges, prompting calls for inclusive public policy. We were inspired by a sister from the police force, who noted that women now comprise 40% of the Lithuanian police, with the goal of reaching gender parity in the near future.

In Riga, our gathering took place at the Park Inn by Radisson in the Old Town, located just across from The Saeima, Latvia’s Parliament. The setting sparked a meaningful parallel: Saeima 100 and G100, both institutions rooted in representation, purpose, and transformation. The symbolism of “100” resonated deeply, reminding us that together we are better. We met an inspiring leader who works for Baltic-China business cooperation, and who also agreed to join us at our then upcoming Women Economic Forum (WEF) – ASEAN 2025 edition in Malaysia. 

In Pärnu, we convened at the picturesque and historic Hotel Ammende Villa, where we had the opportunity to meet Errit Kuldkepp, founder of Positively Inspiring Lifestyle. Her vast experience in the hospitality industry and her passion for crafting uplifting experiences brought a unique lens to our discussions on leadership and wellbeing. Her insights reinforced the importance of integrating positive energy, environment, and empathy into both professional and personal spheres—values that reflect the evolving nature of inclusive leadership today.

In Tallinn, our gathering took place at the Tallink City Hotel. The day before, we also engaged in meaningful dialogue with Krista Mulenok, Secretary General of the Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association (EATA). This NGO plays a key role in promoting NATO values and raising awareness on security among Estonian citizens.

We explored Estonia’s role as a digital leader in the Baltic region and celebrated its high representation of women CEOs across tech, logistics, and STEM industries. The gathering brought together women and men from a range of fields including real estate, environment, sports, and academia—further highlighting the power of leadership and collaboration in gender solidarity. 

In Helsinki, as the city celebrated Helsinki Day, our conversations turned toward inner well-being and psychological safety. We addressed the growing global challenges of burnout, exhaustion, and the impact of mental health struggles on leadership and daily life.

We emphasized the need to remove societal labels and unbox our identities—both men’s and women’s—to create space for more human-centered and resilient approaches to life and leadership. It was a powerful moment of reflection, connection, and healing.

Our plans shifted from a visit to Åland to instead visiting Gävle. Our tour was enriched by the meetings arranged by G100 Global President, Bodil Valero. With support from Helene Börjesson, we explored Gävle’s cultural gems—Town Hall, Agnes Kulturhus, and the Länsmuseet Gävleborg. These spaces served as vibrant venues for connecting culture, history, and community leadership. We also observed the city’s school graduation festivities, which brought the public square to life with joy and intergenerational bonding. One of the highlights was learning about the decade-long community transformation in the Öster neighborhood—led by Bodil Valero and Gavlegårdarna—focused on participatory development and creating safer, more welcoming communities.

In Stockholm, the G100 Meet & Greet featured powerful women leaders, activists, and policymakers. G100 Founder Dr. Harbeen Arora opened the program by sharing the vision of the tour. Former Foreign Minister H.E. Ann Linde elaborated on Sweden’s feminist foreign policy and the importance of gender-responsive tax systems and childcare access.

Gertrud Åström, former President of the Swedish Women’s Lobby, reflected on the history of Sweden’s women’s movement. We also heard from Aycan Sermin Bozarslan on the double burdens migrant women face, Linnéa Engström on the Gender Equality Fund, and Alexandra Pascalidou—who was honored with a G100 Women of the Decade award. We were also joined by Audrey Mothupi, G100 Global Chair for the AI, Data & Cybersecurity Wing, whose presence added immense value to the dialogues.

On 16 June, we visited the Swedish Parliament and met with Irene Sigvardsdottir of the Green Party, and couple of other members of parliament who were present then. We also met with Diana Janse, State Secretary for Foreign Aid and Trade. We are deeply grateful to Ulrika Karlsson, G100 Global Chair for facilitating the same. 

In Oslo, we concluded our tour with a meaningful gathering at The Well Hotel, thanks to the support of the WICCI Norway–India Business Council. We were warmly hosted by the G100 Norway team, with special appreciation for Tove Lovisa Bergkvist, G100 Global Chair and Richa Chandra, India Country Chair from the Female CEOs & Wealth Creation wing, as well as Prasantha Devulapalli, Chair of the Work-Life Harmony wing.

We were deeply inspired by the initiatives of Donna Kastrati, founder of HER (Hun Etablerer Ressursprogrammet), Norway’s top platform for female founders, and Michelle Chinnappen, who works with businesses to build inclusive cultures that integrate diversity as core strategy.

This gathering celebrated the diversity of women leaders—CEOs, homemakers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—and served as a reminder of the power of collective strength and spirit to serve. 

During the tour, we were also joined by Sarifa Alonto-Younes, Country Chair for Business Networking, and Aida Murni from Malaysia. The overall tour facilitation was graciously managed by Amina, whose support ensured a seamless and impactful experience for all.

The crisis in leadership is a lack of listening. To lead well, we must open our hearts and minds, step outside our silos, and listen well. 

We must regenerate the planet as urgently as we have degenerated it. Our lives are not separate from nature—they are deeply interconnected.

Welfare and philanthropy are vital pillars of inclusive societies. Equitable access to food, water, housing, healthcare, and education is the foundation of dignity and progress.

Governance (“G”) is the most critical component of ESG. While environmental and social issues are universal, it is governance that determines how well they’re addressed.

Technology can heal or harm. The rapid evolution of AI demands ethical oversight and thoughtful leadership. Rapidly emerging tools and chatting apps – easily accessible even to children – must be scrutinised and governed with responsibility.

Framed by the symbolic question – what if Mother Nature were the honorary chairwoman at every table? – the tour encouraged us to reimagine how we could possibly better build, better govern, and better sustain businesses, institutions, communities, and ecosystems. The reflections and takeaways spanned perspectives from cities, parliaments, cultural spaces, and community sharing – each offering a window into the future we can co-create with a will to listen, learn, examine, discern, and choose better. 

Our choices define our direction. What if we chose good over greed, care over convenience, long-term vision over short-term gain? Would we be better off? Would Mother Earth be better off? The answer is a resounding Yes – for there is no life, no love, no leadership, without a planet that hosts us and holds us. 

With balance in our hearts, and beauty in our vision, it is indeed possible to do good, be good, and make good money, all together. As Nature thrives, we thrive with her. As women thrive, all thrive as well. Together, we can choose better, and change for the better.

Convenor: Secretariat

Meetings led by: Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, Founder, G100, along with Vinay Rai, Founder, Denim Club