LUNCHEON: GENDER EQUALITY AS AN INVESTMENT CONCEPT (CE APPROVED BY IMCA FOR CIMA®, CPWA® OR CIMC®)

There is a strong consensus among international development experts that the status and role of women is the best clue to a nation’s growth potential.  Similarly, there is now substantial evidence that the status and role of women may be an excellent clue to a company’s growth potential as well – that the best companies, and therefore the best investments, are those that take advantage of the talents, ideas and contributions of half of the world’s population.  Numerous studies have shown that companies that empower and advance women – e.g., through gender diversity on boards and in upper management – are likely to reap the benefits in terms of improved profitability and performance.  Eliminating gender inequality and empowering women are finally being recognized, on a global basis, for what they are—urgent moral and economic imperatives. This is as true for businesses and investors as it is for broader economies. Gender equality is fast becoming an investment concept.