France's minister for the economy speaks about the strength of women - Building Gender Balanced Business

Christine Lagarde is France’s minister for the economy, industry and employment.

The situation of women

In the economic and political world, women have more power and more responsibilities than in the past.
The only private equity fund to have weathered the crisis without any trouble is the Icelandic Audur Capital which is completely managed by women.
The ever growing micro-credit business established by Muhammed Yunus revolves around women because he felt sure that women would use the money effectively.

In these turbulent times

Eleanor Roosevelt once said that “A woman is like a tea bag- you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.”
In tough times, women can offer their “sense of responsibility and great pragmatism in delicate situations.”
In February 2009, as the country suffered through the economic crisis, Iceland elected Johanna Sigurdardottir as prime minister.

From now on

Today, almost every job is available to women but there are still certain cultures and traditions that stick women in a subordinate role.
Universities are enrolling more women than they are men and the compensation gap is slowly decreasing but it is still consequential.
There is still an undeniable glass ceiling, particularly in the business world.
The best way to fix is not by imposing quotas but by pushing for a true meritocracy.
It is time for the world to recognize and benefit from the differences between men and women rather than try to get rid of them.

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