A few days ago I bumped into this very powerful quote by Leida Rijnhout from WFTO: "Let's stop talking about gender justice only as a moral imperative: it's a strategic necessity to unlock sustainable development, more resilient communities and create a fair world for all."

The pursuit of gender justice is grounded in a wealth of empirical evidence demonstrating the myriad ways in which gender equality contributes to economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. I won’t be citing here all the research and countless examples. I think that we can all agree that when women and girls are accorded equal opportunities to education, healthcare, and participation in political and economic decision-making processes, societies reap the benefits of their diverse talents, perspectives, and innovations. Indeed, equal opportunity for women and girls is intricately linked to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), serving as both a goal in its own right and a catalyst for progress across all other goals.

I too firmly believe that beyond the moral imperative, it is a strategic necessity and a smart business choice at all levels. I lead a 100% women-owned, women-managed social enterprise, and guess what all of our workers are women too. Women who have been excluded from the traditional job market for many reasons: cultural, or other pressure, for being mothers to not finding proper childcare, or for not being able to find employment flexible enough to accommodate their household duties…

Not that we aimed for it, it just happened that way and it might change in the future. This organization we have been running for over 10 years gives me a somewhat different insight and allows me to compare to the more patriarchal, or male-dominated companies I have been part of in the past.

Incorporating women into leadership roles within the business sector is not just a matter of equity or moral responsibility; it's a smart business decision that brings tangible and measurable benefits to organizations and the economy at large. The argument for women in business, in leadership positions and also not leadership positions extends beyond the pursuit of gender justice into the realm of enhancing organizational performance, innovation, and societal impact. If you need further convincing here are several reasons why it is smart to have women in business:

1. Diverse Perspectives Lead to Better Decision Making

Women bring different life experiences and perspectives to the table, which can lead to more comprehensive and well-rounded decision-making processes. Diverse leadership teams are more likely to consider a wide range of factors and potential impacts of their decisions, leading to solutions that are better suited to meet the needs of a diverse customer base and workforce.

2. Enhanced Innovation and Creativity

A diverse workforce, including at the leadership level, is linked to higher levels of innovation and creativity. Women leaders can contribute to a culture that values different viewpoints and approaches, fostering an environment where innovation can thrive. This is crucial in today's fast-paced business world, where companies need to constantly evolve to stay competitive.

3. Improved Financial Performance

Research has consistently shown that companies with higher representation of women in leadership positions, including boards, tend to outperform those with less diversity in terms of profitability, return on equity, and stock performance. This correlation suggests that gender diversity at the top can translate into better financial health for the company.

4. Attracting and Retaining Talent

Companies that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion, including gender diversity in leadership, are more attractive to potential employees. For many talented individuals, an inclusive culture is as important as salary or job responsibilities. By fostering an environment where women can thrive and advance, businesses can attract a wider pool of candidates and improve employee retention rates.

5. Reflecting the Customer Base

Women make the majority of purchasing decisions in households across various sectors, from consumer goods to healthcare and education. Having women in leadership positions can provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and preferences, enabling companies to better tailor their products and services to meet the needs of their primary customer base.

6. Enhanced Corporate Governance

Women leaders are often credited with adopting a more collaborative and consultative leadership style, which can lead to improved corporate governance. This style promotes openness, accountability, and ethical behavior within organizations, which are key components of sustainable business practices and long-term success.

7. Driving Social and Environmental Change

Finally, women leaders are frequently at the forefront of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability initiatives. Their leadership can help steer companies towards practices that not only benefit the bottom line but also make a positive impact on society and the environment. This holistic approach to business is increasingly important to consumers, investors, and other stakeholders. Also when women are economically empowered, they elevate their entire communities. Kids receive better nutrition, get better education and often stay longer in school.

In conclusion, the pursuit of gender justice as a strategic necessity is a call to action for all sectors of society, including the business community. It is a recognition that true progress and sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing the inequalities that hold back half of the world's population. Fair trade business practices offer a tangible and impactful way to advance gender justice, demonstrating that economic success and social equity can go hand in hand.