The value of networks - OECD Forum 2014
The Value of Networks
- Neveen El-Tahri, Chairperson and Managing Director, Delta Shield for Investment
- Mathilde Mesnard, Co-ordinator, New Approaches to Economic Challenges, OECD
- Silvana Koch-Mehrin, Founder of the Women in Parliaments Global Forum
- Yukako Uchinaga, President, Japan Women’s Innovative Network (J-Win)
- Annick de Vanssay, Managing Director, JUMP
OECD advises women to benefit more from networks – in terms of business it is one area where women benefit less than men. Networks serve many vital purposes including access to finance, advice, information sharing, education, mentoring, and lobbying. The use of networks is one method of advancing women's careers, but also a tool for changing the culture of the workplace, and more broadly, making our society more inclusive and open.
The value of the networks has also been questioned. Sometimes networks are seen as a means to placate women rather than to promote them. Some point out that the gender equality discussion needs to be reframed as a problem for society, not just for women, and suggest more efforts towards engaging both men and women to make real change happen. Others criticize networks as tools for privileged women to advance their own interests rather than those of women and girls in general.
Do networks bring about real change? Are current networks competing rather than joining forces for more impact? What is needed for networks to be successful?