Women's Forum Global Meeting 2024

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PROGRAMME

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DAY 1 - 23 Oct

DAY 2 - 24 Oct

PLENARY Sessions

Plenary
Oct 24, 2024
7:00 AM7:45 AM
Online

Shaping inclusive cities: Safe spaces for all

Description
Creating safe, inclusive cities involves engaging diverse communities in decision-making, implementing gender-responsive designs, and ensuring accessible public spaces. We'll discuss how the physiognomy of a city can have a profound impact on the life of women, in the short and long term from the job opportunities they have access to, to their social development. We will also address the critical issue of street harassment and toxic behaviours that disproportionately affect women, limiting their social, cultural and economic opportunities. Join us to explore transformative approaches to building vibrant and inclusive urban communities.
Plenary
Oct 24, 2024
7:45 AM8:20 AM
Online

Safe and inclusive online environments: Navigating protection and freedom

Description
In the digital age, balancing online safety with the freedom of expression is crucial especially for women and minorities. This session focuses on creating welcoming and secure digital spaces where everyone can participate meaningfully. We explore strategies such as user empowerment through education, transparent content moderation, privacy-preserving security measures, and regulation. Policymaking must consider diverse perspectives and continually adapt safety measures to maintain this balance. How can we ensure that digital platforms remain inclusive and equitable for all participants?
Plenary
Oct 24, 2024
8:20 AM8:50 AM
Online

Human-centric organisations: Promoting dialogue and growth for all talents

Description
Latest reports show that the newer generations place a particular importance on sharing the same values as their company and feeling supported in their overall self-development, also outside the work sphere. Inclusive dialogue and development in the workplace mean cultivating open, respectful communication that values diverse perspectives and experiences in the workplace. This approach fosters collaboration, innovation, and personal growth, ensuring equal opportunities for development and advancement within the organisation, as well as bringing richness to a company. How do companies create such environments? How do they keep their talents and have them grow in the long term? And what soft skills are becoming more and more important in this human centric approach?
Plenary
Oct 24, 2024
9:50 AM10:20 AM
Online

Reinventing role models: Crafting new representations of women

Description
As the arts industry is essentially male dominated, iconic female characters and representations are generally crafted by men. This means they are depicted in ways that do not always resonate with their everyday realities and challenges and are idealised or confined within the limits of very stereotypical roles. How can we ensure that female characters, as well as stories written and produced by women, get full recognition and have a space to thrive in the face of the general public? And how do we create healthy dialogue on fair representation in the art world, in a way that ensures more accurate portrayals of women, depicting them with richer, stronger, and more nuanced characters?
Plenary
Oct 24, 2024
10:20 AM10:35 AM
Online

Conversation with a leader - Sports Beyond Borders: The Olympic Legacy

Description
Sports have long served as a unifying force, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of shared humanity. In this session we reflect on the legacy of the Olympics games in Paris, which made history achieving for the first time numersportical gender parity on the field of play. We will discuss how sport, and this edition of the Games, have been an incredible tool to bring around the table diverging forces and parties creating unity and a sense of collective empowerment.
Plenary
Oct 24, 2024
12:15 PM12:50 PM
Online

Human weapons: Violence against women in conflict zones

Description
Sexual violences on women in conflict settings represent a grave violation of human rights with devastating short- and long-term consequences. In the long term, the lack of accountability and the trauma carried by affected communities can hinder stability and peace processes, perpetrating generational trauma and cycles of violence. Despite increased awareness and international resolutions, challenges persist when it comes to finding effective solutions to counter these practices. Fighting sexual violences in conflict zones should be a priority and it requires united efforts from multiple actors of society. We will delve into what actionable steps can be taken to enhance individual and collective resilience and combat this issue.
Plenary
Oct 24, 2024
1:00 PM1:40 PM
Online

Women leading justice: Pioneering equality and reconciliation

Description
An inspiring session at the Women’s Forum dedicated to celebrating and promoting the pivotal role of women in leading positions in law, including Women Bar Presidents, across the globe. This session will explore the unique contributions of these trailblazing women in conflict resolution, their unwavering commitment to the respect of human rights, and their advocacy for women's rights. We will delve into their strategies for fostering gender equity within the legal profession and discuss the challenges and triumphs they encounter. Discover how women leaders in law are leading the charge towards a more just and equitable world and learn how their leadership serves as a beacon for aspiring female lawyers everywhere.
Plenary
Oct 24, 2024
1:40 PM2:15 PM
Online

(Re)connecting nations: The impact of feminist diplomacy

Description
Feminist diplomacy is often understood as states promoting the presence of women in their foreign affairs and international relations. However, the notion of feminist diplomacy goes beyond that, and touches upon a tradition of pacifism. With the current conflicts, and the responses we have been witnessing of states promoters of feminist foreign policies breaking from pacifist approaches, there is an open debate on what feminist diplomacy truly means today and its power to foster cooperation and peace.
Plenary
Oct 24, 2024
3:40 PM4:05 PM
Online

Conversation with youth: Owning your responsibility, owning your power

Description
Youth civic engagement is a powerful force for shaping the future of our society. It underscores the vital importance of individuals actively participating in their communities, not only to find their place but to exert meaningful influence. This responsibility, while deeply personal, is also a collective one. It is essential for fostering a society where every voice contributes to communal growth and development. For young people, particularly young women, engaging in civic activities is a demonstration of leadership and accountability. By voicing their expectations and taking action, they play a crucial role in building a better future for everyone.

DISCOVERY SPACE Sessions

Work Hub (Discovery Space)
Oct 24, 2024
9:10 AM9:45 AM

Peace of mind: Addressing mental health at work

Description
Employee wellbeing is crucial for productivity and organisational success, yet many companies fall short in providing adequate support services. Studies indicate that 1 in 5 employees suffer from mental health issues, with a significant impact on job performance and retention. Additionally, caregivers, often women, face unique challenges balancing work and personal responsibilities, with 60% reporting that caregiving duties affect their work. LGBTQI+ employees also encounter specific stressors, with 46% feeling the need to hide their identity at work, leading to decreased engagement. This session will delve into the importance of comprehensive support services, including mental health resources and caregiving support, to enhance productivity and inclusivity. Attendees will gain insights into creating a workplace culture that fosters wellbeing for all employees, driving both individual and organisational growth.
Home Hub (Discovery Space)
Oct 24, 2024
9:10 AM9:45 AM

Postpartum power: Blending motherhood and entrepreneurship

Description
Despite 98% of mums wanting to go back to work after they have children, only 13% think it’s viable on a full-time basis. In fact, giving birth and raising young children often lead women to pursue self-employment or home-based entrepreneurship, allowing them to balance motherhood with their professional goals. This session offers valuable tools for navigating self-employment, running a business from home, and securing decent pay, all while addressing the challenges of new motherhood including postpartum depression. Join us to learn practical strategies and gain insights from experts who have successfully balanced their entrepreneurial ambitions with the demands of motherhood.
Online Hub (Discovery Space)
Oct 24, 2024
9:10 AM9:45 AM

Tech divides: Bridging generations for a healthy & inclusive digital World

Description
As technology becomes integral to our daily lives, understanding its impact on intergenerational relationships is crucial. From young people to senior citizens, the connection between technology and social connectedness shapes our society. In an era of cyber attacks, mass surveillance, and evolving digital threats, fostering an intergenerational approach to technology use is essential. This panel will explore the benefits and boundaries of technology, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the safety of all users. Join us for a compelling conversation on how we can create a safer digital and more inclusive digital world through mutual understanding and shared responsibility across generations.
Society Hub (Discovery Space)
Oct 24, 2024
2:30 PM3:10 PM

Empowering Women in Sustainable Tech by VivaTech

Description
Join us for an engaging 40-minute session with Marie Ekland, Founder & CEO at 2050, and Rachel Delacour, CEO & Co-Founder at Sweep, where we will explore how technology can tackle pressing challenges as climate change and the underrepresentation of women in tech. Discover inspiring stories of female leaders reconciling innovation to drive sustainability and promote diversity in the industry. This session is your chance to see how tech can be a powerful tool for positive change. Let’s come together to empower women and create a more sustainable future!
Home Hub (Discovery Space)
Oct 24, 2024
2:30 PM3:10 PM

Not Safe at Home: Solutions to Address Escalating Violence

Description
Violence against women and girls transcends boundaries, manifesting in both physical and psychological forms. Alarmingly, 1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence, primarily from intimate partners. Over 200 million girls and women have undergone genital mutilation, while many others suffer from rape and psychological abuse. This panel explores harmful practices perpetuating violence against women, especially in the context of escalating global conflicts where women are increasingly weaponized and vulnerable at home. As wars and crises rise, addressing these issues is more urgent than ever. Join us to discuss strategies and actions needed to combat this violence, protect the vulnerable, and create safe, supportive environments for women and girls everywhere.
Work Hub (Discovery Space)
Oct 24, 2024
2:30 PM3:10 PM

Untapped Potential: Embracing People with Disabilities

Description
Despite progress, many barriers still prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in the workforce and society. This group represents an immense, often overlooked talent pool, with only 28% employed compared to 75% of non-disabled individuals. By not embracing these invisible talents, companies are missing out on unique skills and perspectives. Research shows that organizations fostering diversity are 33% more likely to outperform their peers. This panel will explore how a culture of inclusion, paired with accessible design, creates a fluid and equitable environment where everyone can contribute. Join us to discuss strategies and best practices for embedding inclusivity by design and culture, and unlocking the potential of all individuals.

BOOKSTORE & MEDIA LOUNGE Sessions

Media Lounge
Oct 24, 2024
9:10 AM9:45 AM

Q&A - Conversation on Restoring Dialogue: “We Need to Talk”

Description
Following the presentation of this new initiative launched by two media outlets, Brut and La Croix, along with a foundation (Fonds Bayard Agir pour une société du lien), you have the opportunity to ask questions to their founders.
Bookstore
Oct 24, 2024
11:30 AM12:00 PM

Book Signing - Angélique Cauchy: Si quelqu'un, un jour, te fait du mal

Description
Angélique Cauchy started playing tennis at the age of 6. Very early on, she showed a natural aptitude for the sport. Her talent was quickly noticed, and her progress was swift. At 11 years old, Angélique joined the Sarcelles club, the best in the region, and became the number two junior player in France. It was there that she met her coach and future abuser, who spotted her talent on the courts, but also her sensitivity and vulnerabilities. After surviving these abuses, Angélique now leads Rebonds, the association she founded to raise awareness within the sports community about child protection. Her testimony is an explosion—one of incredible strength in response to incredible violence—that touches the heart and leaves us all a little better. We must listen to it to realize that her story is not an isolated case; one in seven children in sports is a victim of sexual violence. This book is thus an invitation to protect childhood, so that victims are never left alone again.