Global Women’s Leadership Forum Returns to Bogotá to Advance Wellbeing and Equity

Women Economic Forum (WEF) 2025: Shaping the Future of Female Empowerment

As the Women Economic Forum (WEF) makes its anticipated return to Bogotá on March 5-6, 2025, an air of excitement surrounds the theme of this year’s event: the intersection of mental health, wellness, and gender equity. The thought of assembling some of the world’s leading female voices and minds in a vibrant cultural hub like Bogotá raises a critical question: What does the future hold for female empowerment in both Latin America and beyond?

A Global Gathering for Local Transformation

The WEF serves as a vital platform for dialogue and action, bringing together over 300 speakers and thousands of participants from various backgrounds. It is more than just an event; it is a movement aimed at building bridges and facilitating connections. This year’s forum will consider major issues affecting women globally, focusing on the mental well-being necessary for effective leadership.

Leading Voices at the Forefront

With prominent leaders like Harbeen Arora Rai, the founder of WEF, and renowned figures such as María-Noel Vaeza from UN Women and journalist Mabel Lara, the WEF promises to be a confluence of transformative ideas. Attendees will gain insights into shaping a society that values mental health, equitable economic opportunities, and inclusive leadership.

Highlighting Collaborations for Change

Marisol Pabón, the president of WEF Col Latam 2025, emphasizes the collaboration with allies such as the Santa Fe Foundation of Bogotá, the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, Google, and Sodexo Colombia. These partnerships provide a substantial foundation for sessions that want to uplift not only women’s voices but also their emotional and social spaces.

Transformative Conversations: The Core Sessions

The agenda is replete with compelling conversations, but four sessions stand out due to their transformative potential:

1. The Impact of Emotional Balance in the Workplace

Dr. Gustavo Perdomo Patiño is set to present actionable strategies for achieving emotional balance at work. His insights will explore the relationship between sexual and reproductive health and women’s mental well-being. This session promises to shine a light on a topic often shrouded in silence, offering solutions that may revolutionize workplace cultures.

2. Revolutionizing Adolescent Sexual Education

CEO Johanna Cordovez Amador of Tirando x Colombia will describe how digital innovations are demolishing age-old taboos surrounding sexual education. By using technology, her platform empowers teenagers, breaks down myths, and fosters a more informed future generation.

3. Embracing Resilience through Art

Mónica Colín de Velásquez’s presentation on the Japanese metaphor of kintsugi—the art of repairing with gold—will engage attendees in understanding mental healing through the lens of empowerment. This concept not only highlights resilience but also reinforces the idea that personal challenges can become sources of immense strength.

4. The Intersection of Motherhood and Self-Care

Author Geovanna Nassar will dive into reflections on motherhood, mental health, and self-care through her book Letters to My Teenage Daughter. Her insights focus on guiding loved ones through emotional battles, provoking an essential dialogue on the often-overlooked topic of nurturing mental wellness within family structures.

The Bigger Picture: Societal Transformations Through Direct Action

So, what are the implications of these discussions on a wider scale? The potential for societal transformation when women are supported in their mental well-being and leadership roles holds promising outcomes. Research repeatedly indicates that gender-diverse leadership results in better decision-making and enhanced performance across industries. According to McKinsey’s report, companies with women in leadership positions are 25% more likely to outperform their male counterparts.

The Digital Shift and Ongoing Engagement

This year’s blend of in-person and digital engagement is pivotal, allowing for a broader audience and more diversified discussions. With a projected audience of 90,000 online participants in past events, the WEF underscores the necessity of accessibility in today’s globalized world. This hybrid model not only democratizes access but also instills a sense of community among women worldwide.

Navigating Mental Health in Professional Settings

The unique focus on mental health is timely. Amid post-pandemic recovery, the workplace environment has evolved significantly, and companies can no longer afford to overlook the mental well-being of their teams. Industries across America are increasingly investing in mental health resources, signaling a shift towards a more holistic approach to employee well-being.

The Role of Corporations in Mental Health Advocacy

Organizations like Google have pioneered initiatives to create supportive environments for employees’ mental health. However, this is a collective responsibility. Through forums like WEF, women leaders can spearhead campaigns advocating for systemic changes within companies.

Empowering the Next Generation

While the WEF gathers experienced leaders, it is crucial to ensure that the next generation of female leaders is also empowered. The emphasis on digital education illustrated by speakers like Johanna Cordovez Amador exemplifies how education can be the bedrock of empowerment.

Success Stories from the U.S.

In the U.S., initiatives like Girls Who Code highlight the importance of nurturing an interest in technology among girls, promoting not just inclusivity in STEM but also cultivating future leaders. The ripple effect of such movements creates opportunities that resonate across the globe, reshaping industries to be more representative.

The Global Effects of Local Actions

As leaders gather in Bogotá, their discussions will undoubtedly ripple outwards, impacting local communities and expounding on how equitable leadership directly influences economic stability. The WEF isn’t just an event; it’s a formula for change, illustrating how insights shared today can inform policies and practices tomorrow.

Case Studies of Local Impact

Consider the progress made in communities with robust women’s networks, such as in Colombia itself. Initiatives focusing on women-headed households and local entrepreneurship propel economic growth while creating a sustainable future. By linking mental wellness to economic empowerment, WEF emphasizes a holistic view.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

However, challenges persist. Inequities in representation still exist in many sectors, and mental health stigma continues to plague discussions. The path forward involves confronting these realities head-on, leveraging platforms like the WEF to amplify both voices and actions.

Building Resilience Against Gender Barriers

As discussions unfold, it is essential to continuously advocate for policies that support women across all levels—from grassroots initiatives to corporate governance. Just as the kintsugi method emboldens the broken with golden seams, society must work to repair inequities through collaborative efforts.

Quantifying Success: Evaluating Impact

Moving forward, it will be critical to develop metrics that assess the impact of initiatives born out of the WEF discussions. This includes understanding the long-term effects on mental health, leadership development, and economic disparities.

Metrics of Change

Through pre- and post-event surveys, stakeholder interviews, and longitudinal studies, organizations can gauge how effectively these forums enact real change. Data-driven approaches will enhance the credibility of future initiatives and provide a roadmap for success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Women Economic Forum (WEF)?

The Women Economic Forum is a global platform focused on empowering women through dialogue, discussions, and various initiatives aimed at tackling the issues of gender equity, leadership, and mental health.

Who are the prominent speakers at WEF 2025?

Some notable speakers include Harbeen Arora Rai, María-Noel Vaeza from UN Women, and journalist Mabel Lara, who will discuss critical issues related to women’s empowerment and mental well-being.

How does WEF impact future generations?

The WEF aims to create a supportive environment for women leaders, while also emphasizing the importance of educating and empowering young girls to prepare them for future leadership roles.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As the WEF prepares to make waves in Bogotá this March, the discussions that unfold will serve as a beacon of hope, igniting passion and driving momentum towards a more inclusive future. The time has come for actionable insights that translate into real-world impacts for women globally.

Women Economic Forum 2025: Shaping the Future of Female Empowerment – Expert Insights

Time.news: The women Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 is just around the corner, returning to Bogotá with a powerful theme: the intersection of mental health, wellness, and gender equity. To delve deeper into the forum’s potential impact, we’re speaking with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in organizational psychology and gender equality. Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us.

Dr. Anya Sharma: It’s a pleasure to be here.

Time.news: The WEF is bringing together over 300 speakers and thousands of participants. What makes this forum unique in the landscape of women’s empowerment?

Dr. Anya Sharma: The WEF’s strength lies in its focus on bridging global dialogues with local transformations. It’s not just about high-level discussions; it’s about translating those discussions into concrete actions that uplift women on the ground. The emphasis on mental health and wellness this year is especially crucial and timely, especially in the post-pandemic world. It acknowledges that economic empowerment cannot be achieved without addressing the psychological barriers women face in leadership and in the workplace. It also fosters collaboration with allies like Santa Fe Foundation of Bogotá, the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, Google, and Sodexo Colombia that make the sessions more meaningful leading to actionable plans beyond discussions.

Time.news: The forum boasts prominent leaders like Harbeen Arora Rai, María-Noel Vaeza from UN Women, and journalist Mabel Lara. How vital is the presence of such figures in driving real change?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Their presence is vital. Thes are individuals who have already demonstrated a commitment to advancing women’s rights and economic opportunities.Their clout and experience bring credibility to the discussions, attract a wider audience, and, crucially, inspire action. Seeing role models at this level is essential for women who are navigating their own career paths and pushing for change within their organizations.

Time.news: Four core sessions stand out in the agenda, focusing on emotional balance in the workplace, adolescent sexual education, resilience through art, and motherhood & self-care. Which of these do you believe holds the most transformative potential and why?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Each session addresses a critical aspect of women’s well-being and empowerment, but I’m particularly excited about the session on emotional balance in the workplace. Dr. Gustavo Perdomo Patiño’s exploration of the link between sexual and reproductive health and women’s mental well-being is a game-changer. It’s still a taboo topic in many workplaces,and openly addressing it can lead to significant culture shifts. creating a safe space to discuss these issues is essential to creating workplaces that truly support women. Furthermore, CEO Johanna Cordovez Amador’s work in Tirando x Colombia is groundbreaking, too, because it addresses the roots of many of the issues being faced by women today.

Time.news: The article highlights McKinsey’s report stating that companies with women in leadership are 25% more likely to outperform their male counterparts. How can businesses leverage the insights from WEF 2025 to enhance gender diversity and improve overall performance?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Businesses need to actively listen to the discussions and implement policies that support women’s mental health and career advancement. This includes providing access to mental health resources,offering flexible work arrangements,addressing pay inequities,and creating mentorship programs. It also requires a top-down commitment to creating inclusive cultures where women feel valued, respected, and empowered to lead.It takes time to be put into practice and develop into a positive change but is a worthwhile cause. Google as an example, pioneers initiatives to create supportive environments for employees’ mental health leading to better output.

Time.news: The WEF promotes a hybrid model,blending in-person and digital engagement. How does this approach contribute to accessibility and inclusivity?

Dr. Anya Sharma: The hybrid model is crucial for democratizing access. It allows individuals from diverse geographical locations and socio-economic backgrounds to participate, irrespective of their ability to travel to Bogotá.This broadened participation fosters a more diverse range of perspectives and ensures that the discussions are relevant to a wider audience, amplifying the global impact of the forum. Past events already gathered 90,000 online users, only solidifying the forum as a powerful tool.

Time.news: what practical advice would you give to our readers,both male and female,who are interested in supporting the WEF’s mission and promoting female empowerment in their own spheres of influence?

Dr.Anya Sharma: My advice is threefold: First, actively seek out and amplify women’s voices in your own networks and workplaces.Second, challenge gender stereotypes and biases whenever you encounter them. Third, support policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and mental well-being. This could involve advocating for better parental leave policies, investing in mental health resources for your employees, or simply mentoring a young woman in your field. Remember, every action, no matter how small, contributes to a more equitable future. Even girls are being taught about tech in programs such as Girls who Code to ensure future women leaders.

Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your valuable insights. It has been a pleasure speaking with you.

Dr. anya Sharma: Thank you for having me. These conversations are vital for driving progress.