Conference brings together influential women from across the globe to debate issues disrupting the planet
LONDON, UK, 14 October 2020 – RS Components (RS) and Allied Electronics & Automation (Allied), trading brands of Electrocomponents plc (LSE: ECM), a global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers, today announced a partnership with the International Women’s Forum (IWF), the organisation dedicated to the advancement of women’s leadership and to championing equality worldwide. In support of this movement, RS and Allied have confirmed sponsorship of the IWF’s first Virtual World Leadership Conference and Gala – IWF 2020: Leading in a Disrupted World – which will take place from October 20-23.
The four-day event will explore some of the critical issues facing the globe today, covering a diverse range of topics delivered by some of the world’s most influential women. Day one of the conference will open with a celebration of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a founding member of the IWF whose life exemplified the IWF’s purpose and mission. Other sessions will delve into the all-important themes of climate change, race and allyship, and the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on women, all highlighting the crucial role of women leaders in this disrupted world.
Among the inspirational speakers sharing their insights and experiences will be Linda Greenhouse, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist; Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and acclaimed leader in the Climate Justice Movement; Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women; and Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.
Through this partnership, a number of female employees from RS’ and Allied’s leadership teams will have the opportunity to connect with the IWF support network through regular virtual programming sessions. They will benefit from professional development that will support the continued drive towards a pervasive culture of diversity and inclusion across the Group.
Jessica Chu, Group Head of Diversity, Inclusivity and Engagement at Electrocomponents, commented: “Our collaboration with IWF is an important one that brings us closer to thousands of accomplished women across the globe. By establishing contacts, and exchanging knowledge, skills and experiences, we can collectively strengthen the capabilities of smart women to ensure a gender balanced view in addressing the tough challenges facing our business and the world at large.”
Stephanie O’Keefe, CEO at IWF, said: “In our disrupted world we are challenged with finding creative ways to share and learn from one another. Our upcoming virtual conference is a case in point, and it is thanks to the generous sponsorship of partners such as RS and Allied that has enabled us to utilise technology to create this highly engaging event featuring prominent, high-achieving women from around the world.”
To find out more, and to view the full conference agenda, please visit: https://www.iwfconference.org/2020conference/agenda
