ESADE

Esade-Forté International Women’s Day 📱

The International Women’s Day gathering at Esade, hosted in partnership with the Forte Foundation, celebrated the institution’s long‑standing commitment to gender equity and showcased its role in shaping women leaders. The ceremony opened with a reminder of Esade’s historic inclusion of female students in the 1960s and framed the event as a continuation of its humanist, socially‑impactful mission rather than a one‑off celebration. Key insights underscored that despite more than 70% of HR professionals acknowledging ongoing discrimination, women remain vastly under‑represented in senior leadership worldwide, a gap highlighted by recent SHRM and McKinsey research. The evening’s theme, “Give to gain,” emphasized that education builds competence while networks create visibility and access, a crucial factor in closing the leadership gap. Notable moments included Dean Dr. Lisa Kenberger’s remarks on impact investing, Elisa Sankster’s personal narrative about navigating gender bias from primary school through a banking career, and references to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, which frames gender equality as a global priority. Panelists also cited their own experiences of bias and the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and intentional women’s communities. The event signals a broader institutional push: Esade and Forte will deepen scholarship, mentorship, and network initiatives, urging both women and men to dismantle structural barriers. For businesses, the message is clear—investing in women’s networks not only advances equity but also drives faster societal and economic progress.