Smriti Irani’s transformative vision emphasizes gender equity as a cornerstone for global economic growth, featuring collaborations with world leaders and industry titans.
Smriti Irani, Chairperson of the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality, emerged as a leading voice at Davos 2025, championing gender equity as a critical driver of global economic growth. On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Ms. Irani unveiled a bold, solution-oriented agenda to integrate women into the workforce, harnessing their potential to unlock trillions in global GDP.
Gender Equity: An Economic Imperative
Ms. Irani’s keynote at the session Women at the Fulcrum of Global Economies, co-hosted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, spotlighted groundbreaking data: women could control 50% of global wealth by 2030, and their full workforce integration could contribute an additional $1.6–$2.3 trillion to GDP by 2030. This is more than a moral obligation—it is an economic necessity, Ms. Irani emphasized, calling for a unified global commitment to close the gender gap.
Global Collaborations for Measurable Impact
1. Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam:
Discussions centered on implementing gender-responsive trade agreements and integrating women entrepreneurs into global value chains, leveraging Singapore’s policy expertise to develop scalable models.
2. Bill Gates:
Collaboration focused on dismantling barriers in healthcare, digital skilling, and leadership development. Gates praised the Alliance’s data-driven approach, highlighting the importance of scalable, measurable solutions.
3. Børge Brende, WEF President:
A reflective meeting on the Alliance’s 2024 milestones, including the SAWIE (South Asian Women in Energy) initiative and the Commonwealth Partnership for gender-inclusive programs.
4. Corporate Collaborations:
With leaders like Salesforce SVP Naomi Morenzoni and Naspers CEO Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, Ms. Irani secured commitments for:
Advancing digital inclusion through targeted initiatives.
Skilling women in emerging sectors like e-commerce and technology.
The Role of Women in Climate Action and Sustainability
At the Alliance’s flagship We-Lead Lounge, Ms. Irani facilitated discussions on:
- Women’s roles in climate action, aligning with global sustainability goals.
- The future of work in healthcare, technology, and sustainability sectors.
These discussions culminated in commitments to gender-inclusive policies and climate-responsive leadership programs.
Empowering Women in Healthcare and Media
- Healthcare Partnerships:
Collaborations with GAVI and the Coalition for Health Innovation and Collaboration (CHIC) aim to improve access for underserved women, tackling systemic barriers to quality care. - Amplifying Women’s Voices:
Working with TIME Magazine’s Viktoria Degtar, Ms. Irani emphasized the importance of reshaping narratives to recognize women’s leadership globally.
India’s Global Leadership in Gender Equity
The Alliance for Global Good, launched at WEF Davos 2024, reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Women-led Development. Anchored by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and supported by global players like Tata, Uber, Bayer, and Mastercard, the initiative aligns with India’s ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—One Earth, One Family, One Future.
Key achievements include:
- Gender-inclusive frameworks aligned with the G20 Leaders’ Declaration.
- Partnerships with Invest India and the WEF to drive investments and bridge gender gaps globally.