The Forbes 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi for International Women’s Day was all that and more.
Being in the same room with a few of the world’s most inspiring leaders, women who have made true, formative changes and paved the way for me–-for the access I have as a woman—was far more awe-inspiring and emotional than I had anticipated.
I am often reminded that we stand on the shoulders of giants.
We must continue to carry the torch. Be the change. And always remember: Why not YOU?!
This unforgettable event was my not-so-subtle reminder.
On International Women’s Day, March 8, 2023, over 500 women from more than 50 different countries gathered in the United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi for the second annual Forbes 30/50 Summit. The three-day multicultural event brought together an impressive slate of inspiring women leaders from every generation working toward equality. Among the crowd of luminaries was BHO’s Dr. Monica Madan, soaking up wisdom and making new connections.
Hosted by Mika Brzezinski, founder of Know Your Value and Co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, the star-studded conference featured speakers including Hillary Clinton, Malala Yousafzai, and Gloria Steinem, among many more.
In addition to inspiring leadership advice, the forum focused on collaboration and mentorship, bringing women from the Forbes “Under 30” list together with those from the “50 Over 50” list. Attendees participated in the International Women’s Day Awards Gala and had numerous networking and one-on-one mentoring opportunities. Alliances forged in this powerful cohort are designed to empower women through connection and support, and thus foster positive change in the world.
The speakers also challenged audience members to remember that their everyday acts can — and DO — change the world. As Clinton remarked, “Every time you stand up for yourself, you stand up for literally tens of thousands, maybe millions of people . . . [women] have a lot of work to do, and we can’t take any of the progress that has been made for granted.”
Tennis legend and gender equality activist Billie Jean King echoed the sentiment, noting that “champions adjust or adapt. And I mean champions in life. Pay equity is so important [for that]. Until we have this one-to-one, we have a long way to go.”
Such comments are loaded with historical significance this year: January 2023 marked the 100th anniversary of the Equal Rights Act’s introduction to Congress as the 28th Amendment under Article V of the US Constitution. Enduring legal questions about ratification and deadlines have left the ERA unresolved for over a century now.
So . . . what’s holding you back from being a waymaker?
We are women. We are powerful. We are capable. And we are the REAL DEAL.
Sometimes we just need a reminder.
For more information on events Dr. Madan has attended and other media highlights, check out our Press Page.
Photo Credits: Colin Baldwin Photography for Forbes.
