The SIGEF Women Summit 2024 dazzled in Malta, capturing the essence of innovation, gender equality, and social good on June 17-18. This exceptional edition, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, brought together a stellar assembly of thought leaders, experts, and pioneers who are reshaping our world. The event, which was a resounding success, left an indelible mark on all participants.
A Confluence of Visionaries and Pioneers
The summit, graciously hosted at The Phoenicia Malta, showcased an illustrious lineup of speakers:
H.E. Hedva Ser: UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Culture Diplomacy, talked of the power of cultural diplomacy in bridging gender gaps.
Dr. Cristina Lunghi: President and Founder of the NGO Arborus, who shared groundbreaking strategies for achieving gender equality in corporate environments.
Josianne Cutajar: Member of EU Parliament, who highlighted the critical role of policy in advancing women's rights.
Rebeca Riofrio: Chairperson for UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion, and Sports, who brought advocacy discussions on the intersection of culture resilience and progression.
Rachid Bensahnoune: International HR Director of Inditex Europe, who offered profound insights on fostering diversity and inclusion within multinational corporations.
Carla Ortiz: Goodwill Ambassador, Actress, Producer, and Philanthropist, who captivated the audience with her recount while filming at war zone – her moving experiences through film and philanthropy was really powerful.
Mirjana Pajkovic: Director General in Montenegro for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, who shared poignant stories of grassroots efforts in human rights advocacy.
Alexandra Benoliel: Chief Marketing Officer at Invest Capital Group, delivered an enlightening presentation on the critical intersection of real estate, client relations, and the invaluable role of women in the industry.
Omar Triki: Program Director, Fondation Tunisie pour le Développement, who discussed innovative strategies for socio-economic development in Tunisia.
Yolanda Martinez: Former National Digital Strategy Coordinator for Mexico, who explored the transformative power of digital strategies in enhancing women's participation in the digital economy and the benefits of global digitalisation.
Gabriel Amiel: CEO, Invest Capital Group, who highlighted investment strategies that promote gender equality and sustainable growth.
Ernestine Viehauser: DEI Executive for Group Danone, who discussed the critical impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion on corporate performance.
Delphine Lescarcelle-Evin: Director at DGSI, Banque de France, who addressed the role of gender equality in the financial sector.
Noureddine Hajji: CEO, EY Tunisia, who shared insights on leadership and gender diversity in the business world.
Chenesai Mukora-Mangoma: Entrepreneur & Lawyer, who inspired with her journey and advocacy for women's legal rights and entrepreneurship.
Yijun Chen (Flavia): Director, Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurs Association Chamber of Commerce, who offered a perspective on gender equality within the dynamic economic landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.
Caroline Denes: Real Estate Digital Transformation Advisor, who discussed the impact of digital transformation on equality in the real estate sector.
Larissa Bonaci: Producer and Actress, who shared her experiences as a female producer in a male dominated industry and ways to succeed among differences.
Henry Peyret: CEO, Wassati, who highlighted the role of technology in fostering inclusive growth.
Teuta Oruci: Founder, Cleantech360, who discussed innovative approaches to sustainability.
Grazielle Camilleri: Real Estate Sales Specialist & Motivational Influencer, who inspired with her journey of personal and professional empowerment.
Caroline Brummelhuis: Founder, TheNextWomenTunisie, who shared her vision for supporting female entrepreneurs.
Claire Azzopardi: Athlete, Entrepreneur, and Founder, who highlighted the importance of sports in empowering women and her discipline and focus to her vision.
Paul-Helie Magdelenat: Vice President of Business Development, Alphaverse - CBI, who discussed business development strategies that prioritize gender equality.
Robyn Pratt: General Manager, The Phoenicia Malta, who shared insights on hospitality management and gender diversity.
Elizabeth de Moraes: CEO, E.L.I. Productions, who discussed the role of media production in advancing gender equality.
Mamta Shahani: Entrepreneur, Investor & Philanthropist, who shared her journey of investing in women-led enterprises.
Maria Cristina Madriaga: Entrepreneur and Founder, RC Manpower, who highlighted the importance of supporting women in the workforce and expand horizon bringing people from far lands to progress in their careers.
Empowering Panels and Thought-Provoking Sessions
The summit’s agenda was a rich blend of insightful discussions and dynamic panels:
Session I: All Parents for Inclusive Management – This session explored how inclusive management practices can support parents in the workplace, featuring insights from international HR experts and advocates.
Session II: Women in Entrepreneurship: An Inspirational Journey – A captivating panel where successful female entrepreneurs shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, offering inspiration and practical advice for aspiring businesswomen.
Session III: Women in Governance: Shaping a Better Future for All – This discussion emphasized the importance of women in leadership roles and how their participation can lead to more equitable and effective governance.
Session IV: Inclusive Coding for a Better World – Focused on the tech industry's role in promoting gender diversity, this session highlighted initiatives to make coding and tech careers more accessible to women.
Networking and Reflections
Each day began with a Networking Breakfast, fostering connections and collaborations among attendees. The Relaxation Garden – Special Energy Session provided a serene space for participants to recharge, reflecting the summit's commitment to holistic well-being.
Celebrating Excellence: The SIGEF Women Awards
A highlight of the event was the SIGEF Women Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to social innovation and gender equality. This year’s distinguished recipients included:
Josianne Cutajar: Recognized for her influential work in the EU Parliament.
Carla Ortiz: Honored for her multifaceted contributions as a goodwill ambassador, actress, and philanthropist.
Rebeca Riofrio: Celebrated for her leadership in the arts, fashion, and sports sectors.
Fatima Abbach: Commended for founding WYDE Laureates and her commitment to education and gender equality.
Trudy Kerr: Acknowledged for her impactful work with The SHE Word.
Maria Cristina Madriaga: Praised for her entrepreneurial spirit and founding of RC Manpower.
Acknowledgements and Future Aspirations
The success of the SIGEF Women Summit 2024 owes much to the visionary mastermind behind the event, Yonathan Parienti, Founder and CEO of Horyou. His dedication to promoting social good and sustainability was pivotal in bringing this summit to life. Deep gratitude extends to the Horyou Foundation and Horyou, the social network for social good, for their exceptional organization of this summit. Special thanks are due to our strategic sponsor, Invest Capital Group, alongside sponsors such as Horyou Alphaverse, Kathryn Luxury Flowers, and RC ManPower. Their contributions and steadfast support were invaluable.
As the summit concluded, it left an indelible mark on all participants, reinforcing the SIGEF Women Summit’s role as a leading force in the advocacy for gender equality and inclusive development. This event not only celebrated the strides made but also set a hopeful trajectory for future progress.
For further information, visit SIGEF WomenÂ
Article by Rebeca Riofrio
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