WHAT IS WOBA?

Diverse and inclusive leadership not only boosts financial performance but also strengthens a company’s reputation, inspires investor confidence, and cultivates meaningful stakeholder engagement. Together with our partners, advisory board members, ambassadors, and supporters, our collective mission is to drive a much-needed rise in gender diversity at board and senior leadership positions across the region.

I truly believe that having a gender balanced Board and C Level helps companies to make better decisions and therefore strengthens market performance. Diversity of perspectives and experiences both genders bring to decision making levels creates an inclusive company culture, thus attracting stronger talent.

Inclusive leadership and decision-making in companies are of crucial importance for modern societies. It is not only a social and moral imperative, but also an economic need. Women, who represent about half of the global population, deserve an equal opportunity to influence the decisions that shape our society and economy. This approach fosters innovation by allowing diverse ideas and perspectives to be heard, leading to more sound and inclusive decision-making. Ample evidence already exists to show that having more women in leadership positions leads to better financial results, better business outcomes, and higher environmental, social, and governance practices.

The main issue we are dealing with is the lack of understanding of the important role women play in business. To address this, we must engage with governments and companies, and help them work together systematically and institutionally. However, it is equally important that we work on changing societal patterns. We must reevaluate how we raise and educate children, moving away from traditional gender roles. We have the power to change this inherited mindset and bring about substantial, fundamental change in how we treat women and men in society.

Fundamental barriers, embedded in patriarchal structures across the countries of the Adria region, hinder the progress of women in the workplace, particularly in corporate boards and C-level positions. Recognizing this issue has inspired us to establish a regional association with a shared mission: to enhance the professional standing of women, and to help build a society based on inclusive leadership and diversity.

The path to unleashing the economic potential of women is not a solitary journey. It requires collaboration, commitment, and collective action. Governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals must join hands to create an ecosystem that fosters women’s economic empowerment. By providing equal opportunities, removing barriers, and fostering an inclusive environment, we can drive our economies to new heights.

By encouraging gender equality in leadership and decision making, we open up avenues for diverse viewpoints, improve organizational effectiveness, confront biases, motivate others, and foster societal advancement and equity. Collaborating towards this objective can result in more inclusive and high-performing organizations, as well as contribute towards building a fair and balanced society.

The promotion of gender equality, as well as a better gender balance in all sectors, is crucial, and without the active participation of women in executive positions, there is no true development. Practice shows that companies that consider equal representation of women and diversity on other grounds in management undoubtedly achieve higher profits, are more innovative, and have a better business reputation. I am proud to support the Women on Boards Adria mission from the beginning, as it is a positive example of the importance of united forces on the road to creating better conditions for everyone.