“We are pulling together a database of women who are experts in their field and we invite event organisers to make use of this unique resource as a solid starting point to begin making a change,” said Celine Hourcade, Founder and Managing Director, Change Horizon.
“We are also asking for targets to be set and for organisers to report back on numbers so that we can chart progress and celebrate success.”
“We are result-oriented and we are offering a concrete solution with the database and calling for more tangible actions: we see the open challenge as a natural next step to positively embrace change, making a great impact in just five easy steps.”
Organisers answering the call to action will be asked to make a public commitment and report back on numbers of both female speakers and delegates in order to build reliable data on which to base further targets and measure development.
“Although some organisers have undoubtedly been making progress, we estimate that on average only around 18% of speakers are women at the moment, with more than one event organised recently having not a single female voice on any of the panels,” said Emma Murray, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Meantime Communications.
“We need to change that quickly, not only because we are missing out on valuable insight, but also because we must have visible role models to encourage the next generation of talent to join a vibrant and inclusive industry.”
Over 70 supporters joined the first Women in Aviation and Logistics Seminar last week, hearing from keynote speaker Henrik Kofod-Hansen, Co-Founder of Novosensus, that while only 13% of senior leaders are female, research shows they make better leaders when scored across a variety of categories.
“With no conscious decision to address the issue, it will not resolve by itself, so it is time to do something about it and join forces to reach gender equality by 2030 as part of the overall sustainable transformation of our industry,” said Hourcade.
Since launching the Women in Aviation and Logistics Pledge and database last week, 52 people have signed up including 13 on behalf of their organisation, and already 28 women have submitted their profile, listing their subject matter expertise. 93% have indicated they are open to Board positions as well.
To find out more and take part in any of the initiatives contact reachout@changehorizon.ch or visit Women in Aviation Logistics.
