Latest news with #WomenEconomicForum

Barnama
18 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Empowering Women Key To Driving ASEAN's Sheconomy
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- A whole-of-society approach is needed to empower women across all sectors, including governance, urban planning and the digital economy to unlock the full potential of the 'sheconomy' and drive inclusive, sustainable development in ASEAN, said Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. She said women must not only be included in decision-making spaces but also be recognised as key architects of change especially in city-level transformation where daily life is most affected. 'The 'sheconomy' is not a parallel economy. It is a reimagining of our whole economy, powered by inclusion and inclusion is not charity; it is good policy,' she said. She said during the plenary session titled 'ASEAN Women Leading Social Change: Integrating Social Goals with Economic Growth in the 'Sheconomy', at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) ASEAN 2025 here today. Maimunah who is also a former executive director of UN-Habitat, stressed the importance of embedding gender equity into the fabric of urban governance, budgeting and service delivery. She noted that this aligns with the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework 2021-2025 and Kuala Lumpur is localising the framework to the governance tool by ensuring housing, transport and public health policies serve women. Maimunah also shared initiatives by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) through the Safe City Programme which includes the installation of 10,000 CCTVs and improved street lighting. 'These efforts are not just about safety, but about dignity and inclusion. We are creating safer zones, better transit and walkable neighbourhoods centred on women's mobility. In 2024, crime dropped by 15 per cent in the upgraded areas and women reported feeling safer,' she said. Despite progress, she pointed only 10 per cent of local councils in Malaysia are led by women, calling the need to localise gender mainstreaming efforts at all levels of government.


The Sun
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Wan Azizah urges concrete action for women's economic empowerment
KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to empower women must go beyond dialogue and be translated into concrete commitments, such as corporate pledges and government partnerships. Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of the Prime Minister, urged leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to work together in building inclusive growth through shared leadership and cross-border collaboration. 'It is an honour for me to stand among such remarkable women. Your vision, generosity, and dedication to making a difference are not only admirable but also a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together,' she said in her keynote address at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) ASEAN 2025 here today. Also present were Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong; Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad; WEF ASEAN 2025 Organising Chairperson Datin Dr Hartini Osman; and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. Dr Wan Azizah said the WEF operated with a global perspective while remaining grounded in its mission as a non-profit movement, which she described as a form of public diplomacy aimed at uplifting women across sectors such as sustainability, governance, technology and trade. 'In this context, the movement has been referred to as the Sheconomy, a powerful acknowledgement of the growing influence of women in shaping economic narratives,' she said, expressing hope that the forum will inspire real outcomes. In addition, she said that without proper monitoring and self-awareness, technological advancements could erode meaningful relationships, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, potentially leading to isolation and abuse, underscoring the need to address their social impact. Dr Wan Azizah also highlighted the importance of work-life balance, saying that while society wanted more women to participate in the economy, it must also recognise caregiving as a shared responsibility. 'It may not always be a 50-50 split, but it depends on mutual understanding, powers and capabilities of both parents. Unpaid care, home management, and emotional support have substantial economic value, but they are not quantifiable. We can't put a price on that,' she said. Sharing a personal reflection as a mother and wife, she reminded the audience not to lose sight of the emotional and personal cost of balancing career and family life. 'Sometimes we forget. We often take for granted the responsibility of caring for our families. Let us commit ourselves wholeheartedly to building a world where gender no longer serves as a barrier to success and everyone has the opportunity to shine. Every woman has an opportunity to shine,' she said. Themed 'Women Leaders Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of the ASEAN Sheconomy', the three-day forum celebrates the transformative role of women in driving global economic growth. Focusing on cross-border collaboration, leadership, and innovation, WEF ASEAN 2025 showcases success stories and strategies that highlight the power of women-led sustainable development. The WEF ASEAN 2025 brings together influential women leaders from across the region and beyond, offering participants the opportunity to engage in impactful discussions, forge powerful networks, and explore new pathways for women to shape the future of the global economy.


Malaysian Reserve
21 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Dr Wan Azizah: Empower women with concrete actions, not just words
KUALA LUMPUR — Efforts to empower women must go beyond dialogue and be translated into concrete commitments, such as corporate pledges and government partnerships. Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (picture), wife of the Prime Minister, urged leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to work together in building inclusive growth through shared leadership and cross-border collaboration. 'It is an honour for me to stand among such remarkable women. Your vision, generosity, and dedication to making a difference are not only admirable but also a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together,' she said in her keynote address at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) ASEAN 2025 here today. Also present were Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong; Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad; WEF ASEAN 2025 Organising Chairperson Datin Dr Hartini Osman; and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. Dr Wan Azizah said the WEF operated with a global perspective while remaining grounded in its mission as a non-profit movement, which she described as a form of public diplomacy aimed at uplifting women across sectors such as sustainability, governance, technology and trade. 'In this context, the movement has been referred to as the Sheconomy, a powerful acknowledgement of the growing influence of women in shaping economic narratives,' she said, expressing hope that the forum will inspire real outcomes. In addition, she said that without proper monitoring and self-awareness, technological advancements could erode meaningful relationships, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, potentially leading to isolation and abuse, underscoring the need to address their social impact. Dr Wan Azizah also highlighted the importance of work-life balance, saying that while society wanted more women to participate in the economy, it must also recognise caregiving as a shared responsibility. 'It may not always be a 50-50 split, but it depends on mutual understanding, powers and capabilities of both parents. Unpaid care, home management, and emotional support have substantial economic value, but they are not quantifiable. We can't put a price on that,' she said. Sharing a personal reflection as a mother and wife, she reminded the audience not to lose sight of the emotional and personal cost of balancing career and family life. 'Sometimes we forget. We often take for granted the responsibility of caring for our families. Let us commit ourselves wholeheartedly to building a world where gender no longer serves as a barrier to success and everyone has the opportunity to shine. Every woman has an opportunity to shine,' she said. Themed 'Women Leaders Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of the ASEAN Sheconomy', the three-day forum celebrates the transformative role of women in driving global economic growth. Focusing on cross-border collaboration, leadership, and innovation, WEF ASEAN 2025 showcases success stories and strategies that highlight the power of women-led sustainable development. The WEF ASEAN 2025 brings together influential women leaders from across the region and beyond, offering participants the opportunity to engage in impactful discussions, forge powerful networks, and explore new pathways for women to shape the future of the global economy. — BERNAMA


The Sun
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Empower women with concrete actions, not just words
KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to empower women must go beyond dialogue and be translated into concrete commitments, such as corporate pledges and government partnerships. Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of the Prime Minister, urged leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to work together in building inclusive growth through shared leadership and cross-border collaboration. 'It is an honour for me to stand among such remarkable women. Your vision, generosity, and dedication to making a difference are not only admirable but also a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together,' she said in her keynote address at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) ASEAN 2025 here today. Also present were Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong; Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad; WEF ASEAN 2025 Organising Chairperson Datin Dr Hartini Osman; and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. Dr Wan Azizah said the WEF operated with a global perspective while remaining grounded in its mission as a non-profit movement, which she described as a form of public diplomacy aimed at uplifting women across sectors such as sustainability, governance, technology and trade. 'In this context, the movement has been referred to as the Sheconomy, a powerful acknowledgement of the growing influence of women in shaping economic narratives,' she said, expressing hope that the forum will inspire real outcomes. In addition, she said that without proper monitoring and self-awareness, technological advancements could erode meaningful relationships, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, potentially leading to isolation and abuse, underscoring the need to address their social impact. Dr Wan Azizah also highlighted the importance of work-life balance, saying that while society wanted more women to participate in the economy, it must also recognise caregiving as a shared responsibility. 'It may not always be a 50-50 split, but it depends on mutual understanding, powers and capabilities of both parents. Unpaid care, home management, and emotional support have substantial economic value, but they are not quantifiable. We can't put a price on that,' she said. Sharing a personal reflection as a mother and wife, she reminded the audience not to lose sight of the emotional and personal cost of balancing career and family life. 'Sometimes we forget. We often take for granted the responsibility of caring for our families. Let us commit ourselves wholeheartedly to building a world where gender no longer serves as a barrier to success and everyone has the opportunity to shine. Every woman has an opportunity to shine,' she said. Themed 'Women Leaders Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of the ASEAN Sheconomy', the three-day forum celebrates the transformative role of women in driving global economic growth. Focusing on cross-border collaboration, leadership, and innovation, WEF ASEAN 2025 showcases success stories and strategies that highlight the power of women-led sustainable development. The WEF ASEAN 2025 brings together influential women leaders from across the region and beyond, offering participants the opportunity to engage in impactful discussions, forge powerful networks, and explore new pathways for women to shape the future of the global economy.

Associated Press
28-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Karla Blanco Announces Global Expansion of Her Transformative Coaching Program
Karla Blanco, best-selling author and global speaker, expands her proven coaching methodology to new countries, empowering professionals worldwide. United States, January 28, 2025 -- Karla Blanco Expands Coaching Program to Reach Global Professionals Karla Blanco, a renowned author, leadership coach, and international speaker, has announced the global expansion of her transformative coaching program. With successful implementations in over ten countries, this initiative will bring her proven seven-step process to new audiences, helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Karla's program, based on her best-selling book Unleash Your Potential, addresses the pressing challenges faced by professionals worldwide—overwhelm, stagnation, and frustration—transforming them into empowerment and success. The expanded program is now available in regions including Europe, Asia, and Latin America. For a deeper insight into Karla's approach and her message of empowerment, watch her inspirational video here. Global Reach and Proven Results Having already impacted professionals in countries such as the United States, India, the UK, Malaysia, and Brazil, Karla's coaching process is designed to deliver results that drive personal and organizational growth. 'Empowering individuals to take charge of their lives and careers is at the heart of what I do,' Karla shared. 'With this expansion, I aim to reach even more people, helping them transition from frustration to fulfillment.' This expansion reflects Karla's ongoing mission to create win-win scenarios for employees and their organizations, fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and empowerment. Bridging Cultural and Professional Gaps A global leader with bilingual expertise, Karla Blanco brings unique value to her coaching programs by tailoring her approach to diverse audiences. Her method combines her 26 years of corporate leadership experience with insights gained from addressing professionals across industries and geographies. Her program addresses universal challenges, from career stagnation to work-life integration, while considering the cultural nuances of different regions. This adaptability has positioned her as a trusted coach for Fortune 500 companies, emerging leaders, and global organizations. Global Leadership She ensures her programs align with the evolving needs of modern workplaces. Her efforts have earned her accolades such as: Exceptional Woman of Excellence, Women Economic Forum (2022) Industry Leader, PBWC, USA (2022) Top 40 Under 40 Leaders, El Financiero, Costa Rica (2009) These recognitions highlight her ability to create meaningful change across sectors and communities driving inclusion for ALL. The Announcement: Expansion Signals New Opportunities The expansion of Karla Blanco's coaching program comes at a time when professionals and organizations are navigating unprecedented challenges. Her focus on actionable transformation through her motto, 'Do it Now,' aligns with the urgent need for adaptability and resilience in today's workforce. The program is open to individuals, organizations, and companies seeking to implement sustainable changes that lead to measurable success. Karla's emphasis on accountability and intentional living ensures participants are equipped to achieve long-term growth. About Karla Blanco Karla Blanco is a best-selling author, leadership coach, and global speaker with over 26 years of experience in corporate leadership. She holds a certification from Stanford University and is a leadership instructor for 'The John Maxwell Team,' she is dedicated to empowering individuals to unleash their potential and create meaningful impact. Based in Arizona, Karla continues to expand her influence globally while mentoring professionals and driving transformation in diverse industries. For more about her message of empowerment, watch Karla's video here. Media Contact Name: Karla Blanco Website: LinkedIn: Karla Blanco Instagram: @karlablancocoach Facebook: Karla Blanco Coach Contact Info: Name: Karla Blanco Email: Send Email Organization: Karla Blanco Release ID: 89151616 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours – ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.