Latest news with #femaleleadership
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Nationwide boss Debbie Crosbie to be made a Dame in Birthday honours
Nationwide boss Debbie Crosbie said she was left 'hugely proud' of her Glaswegian upbringing after being made a Dame in the King's Birthday Honours. Crosbie, 55, who has led Britain's biggest building society since 2022, hopes it will inspire others to follow her path. 'Lots of people talk about me being a female but I think most of my peer group have come from a much higher social demographic and they tended to be educated in either Oxford or Cambridge,' she said. 'I think having that diverse social mobility as well as gender is really important.' Crosbie, who started at Clydesdale Bank in Scotland, said: 'I am actually hugely proud. I grew up in Glasgow, I wasn't different to any of my peer group, so to be given the opportunity to lead – I've had a massively rewarding career. 'As a woman, I hope that sends a message of opportunity and hope.'
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Palmeiras president Leila Pereira: ‘I fought for this. I hope my fight inspires others'
'People think women are the weaker sex, and we're not. I fight back. If they hit me, I hit back – but much harder. The way I hit back is by continuing to work and by showcasing Palmeiras's work.' Leila Pereira is in full flow as she sits in the Palmeiras president's office in São Paulo. In the 110-year history of a club founded by Italian working-class immigrants, she is the first woman to hold the post. The male dominance of global football is laid bare once again when you look at the lineup for the revamped men's Club World Cup in the United States: of the 32 participating clubs, representing six continents, Pereira is the only female president. 'It brings two emotions,' she says. 'On one hand, I'm thrilled. On the other, I wish there were more women in football. My joy and my hope are that by seeing me in this position, other women are inspired to pursue their own space in football. This didn't fall into my lap. It took years and I had to overcome many challenges to get here. It's no use calling someone an inspiration if you're not prepared to roll up your sleeves and fight for what you want.' Since being elected president in December 2021, Pereira has emerged as one of the most influential figures in Brazilian football – a world still fraught with political manoeuvring behind the scenes. Her reach extends well beyond Palmeiras. Last year she became the first woman to lead the Brazil men's national team delegation, during their European friendlies against Spain and England – a role appointed directly by the Brazilian football confederation's president. While largely symbolic, the appointment underscored her rising influence within the game and in the notoriously political Brazilian confederation. She has never been afraid to show a firm hand – even when it involves a Palmeiras hero. In June last year, Dudu, the club's joint-most decorated player with 12 titles, sought a move to Cruzeiro after struggling for game time following a lengthy recovery from a cruciate ligament injury. Having agreed terms, he then reversed his decision, prompting Pereira to publicly call on him to 'honour his commitment' to the Belo Horizonte club. Although Dudu stayed until December, the situation soured. It culminated in what Pereira described as a departure 'through the back door'. Dudu responded on Instagram with abuse. Pereira feels he would not have responded in the same way to a man. 'Why do you think he acted that way? No doubt, because I'm a woman. He felt free to be rude.' She has filed a lawsuit against him seeking 'no less than R$500,000 [£67,000]' in damages. Within five months, Dudu had joined Cruzeiro's rivals Atlético Mineiro, citing a lack of playing time. A billionaire businesswoman, Pereira was ranked fourth in Forbes' 2023 list of the richest women in Brazil, with a fortune then estimated at R$8bn. But her wealth wasn't made in football. Until 2015, her main focus was chairing a financial company specialising in high-interest personal loans to mainly lower-income individuals, founded by her husband, Roberto Lamacchia, and serving as rector of a university centre also owned by the couple. Born in Cambuci, Rio de Janeiro, Pereira was raised in Cabo Frio, another municipality in the same state, by her father, a doctor, and her mother, a housewife. The middle child between two brothers, she had little interest in football, despite growing up in a family of diehard Vasco da Gama fans. While her brothers went for kickabouts, she played with dolls. Palmeiras entered her life at 18, when she met her future husband. At the time, she was studying journalism at a university in Rio de Janeiro. After two years working as a trainee at TV Manchete, she decided to switch paths and study law. 'I always had this strong desire to be independent,' she says. 'And that's why everything I do today is rooted in this personal drive. I've always had this feminist streak, even before I knew what feminism really meant.' Her rapid rise to the top of Palmeiras's hierarchy has drawn scrutiny. Her professional relationship with the club began in January 2015, when Palmeiras were short on cash, without a permanent shirt sponsor and having narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the previous season. She suggested her husband's company should sponsor the club he loves as a way to lift his spirits after a period of ill health. And that is what happened. Over a decade-long partnership, Palmeiras rose to the summit of Brazilian football as the dominant team, winning 14 major titles, including back-to-back Copa Libertadores four league championships and two Brazilian Cups. This golden era spanned three club presidents: Paulo Nobre, Maurício Galiotte and Pereira herself. Her tenure as both club president and principal sponsor between 2021 and 2024, however, was not without controversy, with critics raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest – allegations she firmly denies. Since January, her company has stepped away from its sponsorship role, with the club now backed by a different company. Her current term runs until 2027 and Palmeiras are in far better shape than many of their rivals. Last year, the club posted record revenues of R$1.2bn, over a third of which came from selling academy-developed talent. A decade ago, Palmeiras's youth system was largely unremarkable. Now it leads the field. Gabriel Jesus paved the way, with a £27m move to Manchester City, followed by Endrick's £61m transfer to Real Madrid. Danilo joined Nottingham Forest for £18m, Luis Guilherme went to West Ham for £25.5m, Vitor Reis was sold to City this January for £29.6m – a record for a Brazilian centre-back – and Estêvão is bound for Chelsea in a deal worth up to £53m. That stream of income has allowed Palmeiras to flex their financial muscle. In February, they signed the striker Vitor Roque – then on loan at Real Betis from Barcelona – for £21.7m, making him the most expensive signing in Brazilian club history. 'I have no doubt that Palmeiras are the best-run and most credible club in South America,' Pereira says. 'But of course, that level of excellence isn't down to me alone, it's thanks to the incredible professionals we have. No one achieves anything by themselves.' She adds, with evident pride: 'European giants now trust us to do business. Today, we're a global reference. And it's a woman at the helm.' She says: 'Palmeiras are one of the few clubs in Brazil that meet all their financial obligations on time – staff, players, transfer fees. That's non-negotiable for me. I come from a business background and football will not tarnish my name. I want to walk into our training ground and hold people accountable without owing them anything. It's absurd that some [Brazilian] clubs can't pay wages yet keep signing players. That's why I advocate for financial fair play in Brazil.' At the Club World Cup, Chelsea supporters will get a closer look at Estêvão. Widely seen as the most electrifying export since Neymar first lit up the late 2000s, it will be the 18-year-old prospect's last dance in green and white before making the move to Stamford Bridge. 'He's a phenomenal player and I understand why my husband didn't want to let him go. This boy will one day be the best in the world. He's that good and will always be one of our academy's own. Just like Endrick, Vitor Reis, Luis Guilherme … ' While Pereira has maintained the philosophy laid down by her predecessors, it is Abel Ferreira who has shaped the club's golden era on the pitch. The Portuguese coach is both the most successful and the longest-serving manager in Palmeiras's history. Appointed by Pereira's predecessor, he has won 10 trophies in just over four years, an extraordinary feat in a country where managerial turnover is common. A former Sporting full-back who began his coaching career in the club's youth ranks before spells at Braga and Paok, Ferreira will lead Palmeiras into their opening Group A match against Porto at MetLife Stadium in New York on Sunday. They will then face Al Ahly on Thursday, before rounding out the group stage against Inter Miami in Florida on 24 June. 'The Club World Cup is a major challenge, and we're excited about it. Just because some clubs are European giants doesn't mean we can't compete. After all, it's our players who get signed by those clubs.' Whatever the outcome on the pitch, Palmeiras arrive in the US not only as a dominant force in South American football, but as a club reshaped by modern management, and fronted by a woman who has refused to be defined by it. She is outnumbered by men, but not outpowered.
Entrepreneur
26-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Samana Developers Partners With Dubai Land Department to Enable Greater Gender Inclusivity in Dubai's Real Estate Market
You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. SAMANA Developers, a UAE-based real estate developer, has entered into a strategic partnership with Dubai Land Department (DLD) to further its commitment towards creating a more inclusive and gender equitable real estate sector—specifically by promoting greater women's leadership and participation within Dubai's booming property market. The partnership aligns with DLD's She Pioneers initiative, which aims to celebrate and recognize the key role women play in driving sustainable growth in the real estate market while simultaneously increasing female investment. With the goal of establishing a strong and influential female presence across every stage of the real estate value chain, the initiative also seeks to transform women into confident investors, key decision-makers, and dynamic industry professionals. This, in turn, aligns with Dubai's progressive development agenda, which prioritises the advancement of female talent and promotes gender equality across all vital sectors. As part of this new partnership with DLD, Samana Developers will launch a series of impactful programs, including mentorship schemes pairing seasoned industry leaders with aspiring female professionals, dedicated networking events to foster community and collaboration, specialized training courses for female real estate agents, and tailored investment packages designed to support women entrepreneurs on their property ownership journey. "Our strategic collaboration with Samana Developers is deeply valued, as it places women's encouragement at the heart of its mission," noted Majida Ali Rashid, CEO of the Real Estate Development Sector at DLD. "This initiative aligns seamlessly with our broader vision to foster a supportive ecosystem in which women can thrive and actively contribute to the growth of the real estate sector—an essential pillar of Dubai's economy. Ultimately, it reflects the emirate's visionary leadership in championing gender parity and unlocking the full potential of female talent across all sectors." Urusa Imran, Director of Business Development at Samana Developers, highlighted the driving philosophy behind the initiative: "At Samana Developers, where women currently make up 48% of our workforce, we believe that enabling women is essential to the advancement of any modern society. This partnership with Dubai Land Department is a significant step forward in translating that belief into measurable impact. We are confident in the power of women to lead transformative change and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of real estate in Dubai." By aligning strategic goals and resources, both organisations thus hope to drive meaningful change and reinforce Dubai's position as a global leader in progressive, people-centric urban development. Related: Samana Developers Founder Imran Farooq Opens Up on His Long and Winding Road to Success
CBC
12-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Will there ever be a female pope? These Catholics hope so
Currently, the Roman Catholic Church doesn't allow women to be ordained Media | 'Not in our lifetime': Meet the women who want female leadership in the Roman Catholic Church Caption: The world welcomed a new Pope on Thursday: People Leo XIV, the first American elected to the papacy. But history suggests no woman has ever held the role, and the Church's cannon law prohibits women from being ordained and does not recognize them in these roles. The CBC's Jennifer La Grassa spoke to who say, it's time for that to change. Open Full Embed in New Tab Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage than loading CBC Lite story pages. When Windsor, Ont., resident Suzanne De Froy thinks of the future of the Roman Catholic Church, she hopes there's a woman leading the faith. But she's not banking on that happening any time soon. "It will not happen in my lifetime," said De Froy, who is an ordained deacon with the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP). And Teresa Hanlon, an ordained priest with the Roman Catholic Women Priests Canada, feels the same. "My sense is [a] couple hundred years," said Hanlon, who lives in Lethbridge County, Alta. Both De Froy and Hanlon are just some of the women who are advocating for the Catholic Church to become more inclusive by allowing women to be ordained and take on leadership roles within the church. Despite their organizations stating that women have been and can be ordained, the Roman Catholic Church doesn't recognize women as deacons, priests, bishops or cardinals. Image | 2213413822 Caption: VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MAY 8: The newly elected Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV is seen for the first time from the Vatican balcony on May 8, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. White smoke was seen over the Vatican early this evening as the Conclave of Cardinals took just two days to elect Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo (Leone) XIV, as the 267th Supreme Pontiff after the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. (Photo by) () The Women Priests movement began in 2022, when seven women were ordained in the Danube River in Europe. The goal of the movement is to "achieve full equality for all within the Church," according to the ARCWP's website. Why are women prohibited from becoming ordained? Canon Law, a set of rules that govern the Catholic Church, states that only baptized males can be ordained. Women who pursue ordination are considered ex-communicated from the church. "So I am ex-communicated, meaning that the gifts that I have to offer in music, in leadership and scholarship are basically a light that's under a bushel basket in their eyes," said Hanlon, who is expected to become an ordained bishop in a few months. In 1994, Pope John Paul II reaffirmed that women couldn't be ordained — a stance that has been upheld by subsequent popes. "The rationale for that argument was that Jesus did not have amongst his disciples women and, as a result, they believe that that extended to the priesthood," said John Cappucci, president of Assumption University in Windsor, Ont. "Now the other side to that coin was that Jesus did surround himself with many women, many of whom were sponsoring Jesus' mission." Hanlon, who has a doctorate in religious ministry, says if you look closely throughout history there's examples of women in leadership roles. She also says that the first person Jesus appeared to after he was resurrected was Mary Magdalene, whom he told to "spread the word" of God. And in 1976, Hanlon says the Pontifical Biblical Commission had found there was nothing in the New Testament that would prevent women from becoming ordained. In 2019, Hanlon said she had written a letter to Pope Francis asking why the church won't listen to "this call that is so clear from Christ" that some women are called to be ordained. But, she says, she never got a response. What would need to change? Not only would Canon Law need to change to allow women to become ordained, but so too would the beliefs and culture within the Catholic Church, both women say. "It's about control. If you're sharing decision making and listening to other people, then you have to suspend your own agenda and I think that that is problematic," said De Froy. "I believe that everyone has wisdom and everyone has an inner sacredness that has to be valued." For Hanlon, she sees the reluctance as a "fear of change." "I really think it's because they're not ready," she said. "However Christ is on it, is going, is moving." To have young children see women pray, lead, worship and baptize in the church would be "huge," said Hanlon. "You need to have representation of all the people: people of colour, LGBTQ, people who are women, people who are [transgender] — all of those people need to be at the table if you're going to make decisions that affect their lives." Will there ever be a female pope? While Pope Francis made some movement on including women within the church, there's still a lot more to be done before a woman could even be in the running to become pope. "We need women. God created man and woman and that's what we teach in Catholicism," Cappucci said. "That's right at the beginning of the Bible and I think that we need to recognize that the church needs women to play a prominent role in our church. So I'm hoping that Pope Leo XIV will continue with Francis' lead. "The church, without [women], is like a bird with only one wing, we need that other wing to fly and to flourish." While there's uncertainty around where Pope Leo stands on this topic, De Froy says she's hopeful there's more positive change to come. "I believe there's going to be a seismic shift with his leadership," said De Froy. "Pope Francis planted the seeds and I think that this pope, Pope Leo XIV, is going to open the doors wide open."
