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Women have made remarkable progress in their fight for their rights in areas such as education, work, equal pay, and bodily autonomy.
Nowadays, female professionals can be found excelling in fields like aviation, surgical treatment, industry, and innovation. The number of female entrepreneurs and business leaders continues to rise. Together, women are breaking down barriers, setting new standards, and becoming trailblazers in their industries. This progress is supported by various events-conferences and forums that unite women, enabling them to share unique experiences, forge both business and personal connections, and support one another in expanding their competencies. Here are some of the world's largest platforms for women who have achieved success, strive to accomplish their goals, or are simply seeking inspiration.
№ 1. WE Convention - A Genuine Triumph For Women
The WE Convention is widely regarded as one of the foremost events in female leadership. It is regularly organised by the WE Council, an international organisation committed to empowering women.
The founder of WEC-entrepreneur Mila Semeshkina, a world expert in career development-has established an environment encouraging female mutual support, professional self-expression, network development, and the ongoing safeguarding of business relationships. WEC aims to eradicate prejudices and stereotypes while ensuring an equal approach to career opportunities, irrespective of gender.
Mila's mantra, "I am a woman, and I can accomplish anything," serves as an inspirational guide for countless women. The conference draws businesswomen and delegates from diverse industries and nations, including the USA, Italy, the UAE, and other Middle Eastern countries. Last year, distinguished guests at the WE Convention featured Maye Musk, Carla Bruni, Delfina Bellini, and Sara Al Madani, among others.
The event usually lasts for two days and features over 100 speakers, including CEOs, top executives from global corporations, renowned experts, and innovative developers and creators, whom attendees can listen to. The audience can engage in discussions, discover business trends, progressive developments, and promising startups, and connect with like-minded women as well as potential partners, investors, and clients.
The WE Convention offers an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills, exchange valuable insights, and acquire new knowledge. Essentially, it's a chance to propel yourself forward! Pre-registration for WE Convention 2025 is now open.
№ 2. SHE Congress - Women in Business
Since 2017, the SHE (Smart, Happy, Equal) Congress project has been organising international events promoting both personal and professional development for women. Providing numerous opportunities to discover business partners, exchange experiences, and learn from one another. Experts in business, culture, art, the latest technologies, education, and leadership offer their unique insights into the role of women in contemporary society, including the changes they anticipate soon, current trends in professional activity, and emerging patterns. Azerbaijan Businesswomen primarily organise the Congress in collaboration with the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (KOBIA).
The SHE Congress focuses on safeguarding women's rights, advancing equality, and promoting freedom of choice. This annual event addresses critical issues faced by women across various sectors, including business. Renowned experts from fields such as engineering, construction, medicine, and innovative technologies, alongside entrepreneurs and leaders from a wide range of professions, come together to tackle significant challenges, opportunities, and current global events. Their collective efforts aim to discover solutions to these concerns. This initiative fosters women's leadership not only in Azerbaijan, where the SHE Congress is held, but also well beyond its borders.
№3. The International Women's Economic Forum
Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, this year's International Women's Economic Forum took place in Bahrain. The multi-day event, held from 12 to 15 January, provided businesswomen with additional opportunities to develop and refine their projects, access international markets, and forge new global partnerships.
The Women's Economic Forum aims to celebrate the remarkable achievements and successes of independent women globally, inspire young professionals to strive for greatness, and foster conditions for mutually beneficial collaboration and growth. Most participants are involved in business and international trade, making the event particularly appealing for those considering starting production, launching a company, or embarking on a startup. The forum showcases successful entrepreneurs, industry experts, SEOs, and CEOs, hosting discussions and public talks on topics such as artificial intelligence across various sectors, innovative financial strategies, attracting investment, and the future of the creative economy. Attendees can network in specially designated zones, gaining valuable insights and practical tools for business development and personal growth and establishing beneficial contacts. They uncover new opportunities and learn how to make daring decisions.
№4. BRICS Women's Leadership Forum
Since 2022, the BRICS nations have hosted an annual women's leadership forum organised by the Women's Business Alliance in China in partnership with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. Last year, the forum took place in Beijing under the theme "Diversity and Common Prosperity." It showcased prominent businesswomen and politicians from Brazil, China, India, South Africa, and Russia. Shen Yueyue, Chairperson of the All-China Women's Federation, encouraged attendees to actively work towards enhancing women's rights and opportunities. She emphasised that forums like the BRICS Women's Leadership Forum open doors for women's comprehensive development and foster collaboration among BRICS nations to tackle gender stereotypes and inequality. The Women's Business Alliance and the forum focus on increasing women's access to education and professional development in various fields.
The forum featured several panel sessions where female entrepreneurs and company leaders from the BRICS nations discussed significant economic challenges, business hurdles amid global transformations, innovative solutions, and the fostering of business connections and partnerships. They also examined opportunities for cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual learning within BRICS. Furthermore, numerous reports centred on the importance of women's leadership within the economy, finance, industry, education, creative and entertainment sectors.
№5. Global Women Leaders' Summit
Last year, the event was held in New York for over two days, from July 18 to July 19. Women from around the world gathered to exchange experiences, share valuable insights, inspire one another, forge partnerships, and build friendships. In addition to informal networking, the summit featured panel discussions, masterclasses, forum groups, interviews, and a range of interactive activities.
The summit was primarily focused on the role of women in various contemporary industries, including entrepreneurship, technology, manufacturing, politics, art, and social initiatives. Participants also explored current trends in these areas, the challenges they encounter, strategies to overcome these hurdles whilst achieving career success, and the potential for collaboration and partnerships.
The Women Leaders' Summit provided a unique platform for developing professional skills and acquiring new experiences while also promoting self-discovery, spiritual growth, and meaningful conversations.
№6. FWD. Woman Summit
The annual summit, which focuses on equality in society and business, was first held in 2021 with support from Forbes Russia. Since then, it has provided women with a relaxed and safe space for large-scale discussions and the advancement of their rights across various aspects of life. The summit addresses topics related to business, politics, and technology. Speakers and participants from Forbes events include senior managers from leading global companies, public figures, experts in diversity and inclusion, and professionals from diverse fields. Over the course of one busy day at the Woman Summit, attendees can join lectures and panel discussions, participate in masterclasses and workshops, unwind in the creative lounge area, or engage in conversations in the networking area.
The Woman Summit unites women with common interests, goals, and values. It provides a platform for them to share knowledge, acquire valuable insights, pursue their ambitions, and initiate unique projects with support from like-minded peers. This collaboration empowers women to progress within their respective industries.
There are numerous events, such as forums, summits, and conferences, aimed at empowering women and challenging gender stereotypes. Even in the smallest towns, local organisations are emerging to support women, advance the exchange of experiences, and encourage mutual learning. Nowadays, women can pursue appropriate development across various fields, extending beyond family life. Public organisations play a significant role in promoting equality and driving positive change in business, professional sectors, and society. By engaging in these events and supporting organisations focused on women's empowerment, you are taking a decisive step towards a more equitable future.
