Global Women Leaders’ Forum

Grand hotel Sofia

May 19, 2016

Sofia, Bulgaria

Opening speech of Dr. Eng. Boryana Manolova, Chairperson of the Executive Board of Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria In the panel  “Women in politics and government” 

WOMEN IN POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

Dear Mrs. Bokova,

Dear Mrs. Vice President,

Ladies and Gentlemen Ministers,

Dear guests,

Welcome to the Global Women Leaders’ Forum, organized by UNESCO and the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria, which today takes place in a world of rapidly changing paradigms. Technologies considered impossible only twenty years ago are now an integral part of our daily lives. Human thought flies into space in search of brothers of mind. Economic and political models considered irreplaceable generations ago, today are only found in history books. New leaders have replaced the titans of the past, rewriting the fate of the world.

The very concept of power is already different. Yet not quite.

Women in many countries, including in some developed countries continue to be a largely marginalized economic power whose potential remains untapped and undervalued. In many places and in many professions they continue to live under the invisible lid. The conservative idea of the role of women in society, sometimes the difficult balancing of their responsibilities between career and family, psychological barriers, stereotypes and prejudices are just some of the many intertwined factors limiting their professional development.

There is much evidence that gender equality is not only “politically correct” but also profitable. Numerous studies show that women’s participation in the management of companies contribute to their stability and financial results. Let me quote just a few. According to research the companies from the Fortune 500 list with the highest number of women in leadership have at least 16% higher return on sales than those with a smaller share of women in management positions. The difference increases even more in terms of return on invested capital, where companies with more women on the boards showed an average 26 percent better performance.

Although in politics these results are difficult to measure, one thing is undeniable – a balanced representation of the sexes in the management of a country helps in the successful operation of the government, providing an opportunity for fruitful symbiosis of different perspectives, positions and performance. I think that Bulgaria is a good example for that in respect to the fact that 9 of the 19 members of the cabinet “Borisov” are ladies. They are entrusted with difficult, even considered a typically “male” institutions such as the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, justice, energy, agriculture and tourism. And I can assure you that they are doing great.

But many countries can not boast of the same regarding the role of women in government and politics. Fortunately, in recent years we have witnessed significant changes in public attitudes and expectations about women leaders, and not to say the least thanks to the active work of international organizations such as UNESCO and non-governmental organizations such as the Council of Business Women in Bulgaria.

What unites the Council and UNESCO, is the understanding that the world can no longer afford to ignore both the economic and leadership potential of women. But these changes require serious efforts by companies, governments and organizations to eliminate discriminatory practices and promote the professional and personal development of women.

That’s why I would like to heartily thank you today that you are here with us at the Global Women Leaders’ Forum to try to give new definitions of the role of women in politics, business, culture, media and society. You are all a great example of the fact that success is not a function of sex, that career development cannot and should not depend on the presence of X or Y chromosome. I believe that together we will find new ways and means to encourage leadership among women and to inspire a new generation of leaders.

Finally, let me conclude with a quote from a great woman, who left a bright trace in politics not only in Europe but in the world – Baroness Margaret Thatcher : “If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman. ”

Thank you once again and good luck!

May 19, 2016
Sofia, Bulgaria

Dr. Eng. Boryana Manolova
Chairperson of the Executive Board of CWBB