For 20 years, the Rosenzweig Report has shined a light on women’s progress in leadership roles and the systemic barriers that hold women back. Achieving true gender equality is about more than just numbers — it’s about creating a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead, thrive, and contribute. Each of us has a role to play in making this vision a reality.

We must understand that everything is interconnected—people, animals, and the natural world. When we empower women and girls, we empower entire communities to create change, to protect the environment, and to build a future where all living beings can thrive. They are essential to solving the challenges we face, from poverty to climate change, because they hold the capacity and courage to nurture and transform.

The rise of women in leadership is not just about equality—it’s about balance. The divine feminine embodies wisdom, compassion, and interconnectedness. For two decades, Jay Rosenzweig has shined a light on this truth, reminding us that empowering these qualities fosters a more just, peaceful, and thriving world.

The work of women’s equality is far from finished. In order to continue to make progress, we need to understand and acknowledge the scope of our problem. The Rosenzweig report empowers women with the facts, the tools, and context to understand how far we’ve come and how much farther we have to go. For women to truly obtain respect and dignity at work, in their family lives and in our politics, we must never forget the power of knowledge in pursuit of accountability.

At J.P. Morgan, we empower women through initiatives like our “ReEntry” program, which supports women returning to the workforce and fosters diverse talent. While we’ve made progress toward gender equity in leadership, challenges remain, and we must continue to advocate for greater representation and inclusivity. To aspiring leaders, I encourage you to embrace your unique perspectives and stay curious and resilient. The Rosenzweig Report is a vital tool in amplifying our advocacy for women in leadership, and I thank Jay for championing the importance of diversity statistics as a driver of awareness. Together, we can build a future where every voice is heard and valued and where diversity is not just celebrated but is integral to our achievements.

Gender equality is essential for a thriving world. At TIME, we recognize the impact of women’s leadership through initiatives like Women of the Year, which honors extraordinary women working toward a better future for all.

Equality isn’t a dream—it’s a decision. A decision that defines success in the modern marketplace. Companies that embrace equality as a business imperative will drive innovation, growth, and customer loyalty. Those that don’t? They risk irrelevance, just like Kodak and Blockbuster. Today’s consumers are diverse, and brands that reflect, resonate with, and represent them will lead the future. Leadership is evolving, and the old rules no longer apply. I’m honored to partner with Jay Rosenzweig on this milestone 20th Anniversary Edition of his groundbreaking report. Together, we can close the gender gap in five years—not 134—and build a future where businesses thrive by serving the world as it truly is.

No society can live well without empowering the feminine. Our activities today have become excessively masculine, and cause more damage to the planet and to all life. Without the feminine, nothing of beauty, tenderness, or truly aesthetic value will survive. Only when the feminine is allowed to flourish can humans blossom to know the peak of life.