Presenting

As heads of state and business leaders converged on the Swiss mountain town of Davos for the annual World Economic Summit this year, women, or the lack thereof (only 18 percent of attendees were women) was a hot topic, right up there with climate change and refugees. Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent conceded, "We need the three W's: women, water and well-being." ey acknowledged the problem and shared ways in which some had implemented programs to address the challenge of helping women reach the highest ranks of business and government. Although it may sound bold that the good old boys want to set aside more seats for the ladies to join the club, profit might be a more likely motivating factor than their feminism side bubbling to the surface. I doubt it is a coincidence that now that women account for not just half but the majority of the buying power in much of the global marketplace, suddenly the old boys are feeling generous. By 2020, women will control 65 percent of the wealth in the United States. But regardless of how they got there, the fact that global leaders are considering joining the HeForShe movement to get more women in the room is good news. Obviously, a future where women and men work together to find solutions will make for a better world. Statistics prove when women are equally represented, societies flourish. In Finland, which is basically the world's shining example of a successful society by all accounts, women hold 44% of political seats. Helping women break free of many self defeating habits to gain more confidence in their ability, and creating pathways in government and business for them to succeed to the highest levels, are vital keys to solving many of the world problems. Equality is about much more than equal pay and the corner office. It is perhaps the missing element to secure a peaceful world, which continues to elude humanity. After all, it takes both a male and female to create life: it seems only logical that it would take both to create peace. D By Jules Lewis Gibson, Founder & President GR AVITAS Magazine Follow Jules @SeasideJules For additional reading on the subject of confidence, we recommend Katy Kay and Claire Shipman's book, e Confidence Code. VISIONARIES IN PINK Check out our monthly calendar of events at: WorkingWomenofTampaBay.com #1 Women's Networking Organization in Tampa Bay Our newest level of V.I.P. membership, Visionaries in Pink will give you access to at least 10 exclusive events free of charge, including behind-the-scenes tours, private receptions and front-row access to the best events on our calendar. We'd love for you to JOIN US! SAVE the DATE International Women's Day Lunch Feathersound Country Club 11am - 1:30p.m. | March 4, 2016 Continued from page 47 Visit GravitasMag.com for the digital version of this issue with an audio narrative of this article embedded into the digital page.

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