As a woman of Faith and a Pastor, I am wedded to the deep, complicated and sincerity that is needed in Pastoral care. Sanctuary must be found for those who are seeking. My convictions hold strong in seeing everyone as they are and empowering them toward their purpose in the construct of our society. Faith circles and pastoral care must be realized for the emancipation of women! For our very existence is a resistance.

Women are the heartbeat of our world, and their leadership brings harmony, strength, and balance to every corner of society. Producing the ‘195 Song’ showed me firsthand how powerful it is when women’s voices unite across borders. Jay’s commitment to championing women in leadership is a testament to that same power—reminding us that when we uplift women, we create a more just, vibrant, and connected world. I’m grateful to celebrate this milestone with him.

In an increasingly complex and fast-changing world, the full inclusion of talent – particularly women’s leadership – is a strategic and ethical imperative. Research consistently shows that gender-diverse leadership enhances decision-making, mitigates risk, and strengthens organisational performance. The Rosenzweig Report which marks its 20th year, has charted the remarkable progress of women in corporate Canada. Yet, the pace of advancement in female leadership globally remains frustratingly slow. At a time when women’s rights are facing a troubling rollback, sustained and collective action is more critical than ever. Accelerating progress is not just about fairness – it is essential to building a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

The promotion and protection of gender equality is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty, combat discrimination and build a more inclusive, peaceful, just and prosperous world. Without the full participation, protection, and empowerment of women and girls, peace, security, and economic stability will remain elusive. To realize the world we all strive for—one where everyone can thrive—we must ensure that women and girls have the agency and self-determination they are entitled to. This has been a core pillar of our work at the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. As we continue this fight, I am delighted to stand alongside leaders like Jay Rosenzweig, whose tireless work over the past two decades—including through the Rosenzweig Report on Women in Leadership—has been instrumental in advancing equality and driving real change.

In these unprecedented times, moral clarity and courageous leadership are more vital than ever. The atrocities of October 7—marked by the deliberate targeting of women, children, and families in Israel, and the widespread use of sexual violence—have shaken the very foundations of humanity and justice. To capture the gravity of these crimes, I coined the term ‘Kinocide’—the systematic weaponization of families and a deliberate assault on human dignity—together with Irwin Cotler, founder of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. Jay Rosenzweig, as CEO of Rosenzweig & Company, Board Chair of the Wallenberg Centre, and author of the 20th Annual Rosenzweig Report, has been a relentless advocate for women’s rights and leadership. His unwavering commitment to addressing gender-based violence and systemic inequality underscores that confronting these injustices is not just a moral imperative but a crucial step toward building a just, equitable, and inclusive future for all.”

True leadership isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about building bridges. By creating spaces where women support and uplift each other, we empower not just individuals but entire communities to thrive. Social media has given us an incredible platform to connect, share stories, and inspire change on a global scale. Through these channels, I’ve seen firsthand how collective encouragement can transform confidence into action. Progress in corporate leadership starts when we use our voices—not just for ourselves but to amplify others—proving that when women come together, we can drive meaningful, systemic change.

As a global journalist and advocate for women’s empowerment, I’ve witnessed how elevating women transforms communities and industries. Collaborating with recording artist Maejor on a project for the World Economic Forum in Davos, where women from over 200 countries united to say ‘equality’ in their own languages, reinforced the universal struggle for gender equality. Jay Rosenzweig’s Annual Report captures this vision of a world where women have equal opportunities to lead and thrive while highlighting the progress made and the barriers still in place. His unwavering commitment to championing women’s rights inspires us all to push forward toward a future where women’s full potential is both realized and celebrated.

Working in real estate my whole life, I have seen and experienced first-hand the hardships of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. Women need support, not just from other women but from society as a whole. When we can stand together as one, we will see a day where female CEOs are not seen as rare. Jay Rosenzweig said, “Everywhere, women are at the forefront of the fight for human rights and peace. This fills me with hope.” Jay is much more than an advocate; he has been on the leading edge of supporting women and educating the masses as to the discrepancies that exist. The Rosenzweig Report is vital to the success of women, and I believe that with his work, we get closer to equality every day.

There has never been a more important time to take meaningful steps – actively move the dial in 2025 – to create C-suite and boardroom tables that reflect and empower the voices of our entire global population. We have an opportunity to lead an even more intentional effort to advance gender equity in Canada – as a Country, we value standing up for inclusion as a moral, legal, and critical business imperative – and must continue to recognize and rectify inequalities and entrenched biases, modeling what best in class looks like for other countries. It is imperative that we continue to dismantle barriers for women through a deeply intersectional lens, one that extends beyond gender alone and considers the multifaceted identities that shape individuals’ workplace experiences.

There has never been a more important time to take meaningful steps – actively move the dial in 2025 – to create C-suite and boardroom tables that reflect and empower the voices of our entire global population. We have an opportunity to lead an even more intentional effort to advance gender equity in Canada – as a Country, we value standing up for inclusion as a moral, legal, and critical business imperative – and must continue to recognize and rectify inequalities and entrenched biases, modeling what best in class looks like for other countries. It is imperative that we continue to dismantle barriers for women through a deeply intersectional lens, one that extends beyond gender alone and considers the multifaceted identities that shape individuals’ workplace experiences.

When women lead the conversation, the path to meaningful and lasting change becomes clear. In a world increasingly gripped by uncertainty, female leaders possess a distinct and powerful ability to restore balance, drive progress, and redefine the future. Nowhere is this more evident than in the workplace, where diversity and inclusive leadership set the foundation for innovation and stability. The Rosenzweig Report underscores this imperative, revealing the critical need to ensure women are not merely participants but key decision-makers at every level and across every sector. True transformation begins when women are fully empowered to shape the workforce and, in turn, the world.