VIDEO PRESENTATIONS

Care economy as an accelerator for women’s empowerment: A comparative analysis of G20 innovations and policy frameworks

Ms. Mitali Nikore [Nikore Associates, India]

This research examines the care economy as a catalyst for women's empowerment across G20 nations, analyzing how structural changes could address persistent gender inequities in care work. Currently, women and girls perform 70% of all care work globally - both paid and unpaid - which amounts to three times more than men. This gendered division represents both an economic challenge and opportunity. The study conducts a comparative analysis of innovative approaches and policy frameworks across G20 economies that are transforming how societies value, distribute, and invest in care work. Through comprehensive examination of public, private, and hybrid models in childcare, elderly care, and domestic work sectors, the research identifies scalable solutions that could generate millions of jobs while reducing gender gaps in employment. The analysis is particularly relevant as G20 economies face unprecedented demographic transitions, with aging populations and evolving care needs creating urgency for systemic change. The research provides evidence-based insights into how strategic investments in the care economy could simultaneously address growing care needs while accelerating women's economic empowerment, supported by detailed case studies and stakeholder consultations across multiple G20 economies.

Mitali Nikore, a pioneering economist with over 12 years of experience in gender mainstreaming, development finance, and sustainable infrastructure. As the founder of Nikore Associates, she consults for organizations like the World Bank and GIZ, while also advising G20 bodies including Think20, Women20, and Urban20. Her expertise has earned her numerous accolades, including the India UK Achievers Honours and recognition among the '75 Indian Women in STEAM' by the Government of India. Forbes magazine named her one of their '22For2022' industry leaders, and she is a LinkedIn Top Voice for Gender Equality. A TEDx speaker and frequent media contributor, Mitali's insights appear in major publications like Times of India and Financial Express. She regularly features on news channels including BBC News, NDTV, and DW News. Mitali holds a Master's in Economics from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor's from the University of Delhi.

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Unleashing the Power of Gratitude

Ms. Alexis Mason [Lavish Life Enterprises, USA]

This talk presentation inspires on the transformative power of gratitude! Explore how embracing gratitude can enhance life's positivity and fulfillment. I'll share my personal journey using gratitude during dark times, transforming my mood and life direction. Discover how gratitude helps focus on the present, release past and future worries, and embrace each moment with thankfulness, whether joyful or challenging. Prepare to unlock gratitude's power and change your life!

Born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Alexis Mason has transformed her personal journey into a source of inspiration. As a Certified Life Coach, she helps women unlock their potential, build confidence, and embrace self-love. Alexis was featured on Fox 5 DC, the largest news station in the DC region, on their "Rebuild Your Life" segment, where she shared valuable tips for improving one's life. Drawing from her own experiences with low self-esteem, Alexis has developed self-made courses and one-on-one coaching to guide women in overcoming obstacles, breaking negative habits, and achieving their goals. Her work extends through inspirational speaking engagements and transformative programs, motivating women to lead fulfilling and empowered lives.

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Healing, Resilience, and Empowerment: How Overcoming Adversities Fuels Women’s Leadership

In this presentation, we’ll explore how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) like abuse and neglect shape leadership, with a specific focus on women. While these early-life challenges can undermine resilience and confidence, they can also fuel the development of powerful leadership traits such as self-efficacy and determination. Through this research, we’ll examine how women who have faced adversity and engaged in healing practices can transform their struggles into sources of strength, using these experiences to inspire and lead with empathy, innovation, and resilience. By overcoming hardship, these women not only recover but also cultivate leadership qualities that drive success and motivate others. This presentation shifts the narrative, showing that past challenges don’t have to be barriers to effective leadership—they can become the foundation for it. We’ll discuss how overcoming adversity empowers women to become stronger, more determined leaders who make a meaningful impact.

Dr. Chabela McFashion is a financial expert and passionate advocate for ethical leadership with over 22 years of experience in accounting. She is the founder and Chief Financial Officer of The B Venture, specializing in forensic accounting, tax preparation, and financial reporting,. Dr. McFashion is currently pursuing her Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification and holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, with research focused on the impact of healing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on entrepreneurial intentions. Her career includes leadership roles with reputable companies such as Verizon, CBRE, and Robert Half International, where she worked with Fortune 500 companies. Dr. McFashion is also dedicated to empowering youth and leaders by teaching in Africa and mentoring emerging leaders through the Youth Business Alliance. As Treasurer for HealHer Network, Dr. McFashion brings her expertise to support women impacted by domestic violence. She is an active member of NABA and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and is committed to community empowerment.

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ARTWORK

“Sanskar hee Sabse Sundar Gehna”
(transl. “Values are the Most Beautiful Jewelry”)

By Priya Thethi (BHSc, MD 2027 at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada)

As a medical student of Indian ethnicity, I carry immense gratitude for those who paved the way for me to achieve the education and career that I aspire to attain. I come from a lineage of strong, resilient women who, despite societal constraints, carried within them a deep curiosity and a yearning to heal. Their influence has guided me in my own aspirations, allowing me to bridge tradition with modern education.
 
This appreciation for my heritage finds expression in the ‘Bani Thani’ style of paintings, which originate from my family’s hometown. Traditionally, they displayed Indian women admiring objects that were considered to be feminine. In my paintings, the women are adorned with intricate jewelry, yet their eyes speak of something far deeper—a yearning for healing and self-education. One gazes tenderly at animals, one feeds them with affection, and another holds a bouquet of flowers absentmindedly, her attention captivated by a book. These women reflect how I imagine I might have been, had I lived in their time—carrying  a blend of compassion and intellectual curiosity.
Many women of the past carried within them the passion and ambition to pursue careers, perhaps even in medicine, but were denied the opportunities to do so. Despite these barriers, their legacy endures. They have passed down values of compassion, resilience, a thirst for knowledge, and a profound desire to heal. I am deeply grateful for the traits that previous generations have instilled in me, enabling me to seize the opportunities they never had and to honor their legacy in my own journey.

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"Cascade" Source of life

by Giselle Delance Rufer (Delance Swiss Watches, Switzerland)

Always the same yet constantly renewed, the DELANCE watch is a symbol of Life, Harmony, and Spirituality.
With its timeless elegance, each watch is personalized to fulfill the desires of a woman seeking a timepiece that truly reflects her—a precious jewel made just for her.
This highly creative company manufactures high-quality Swiss watches dedicated to women. Founded in 1996 and located in Macolin, above Biel in Switzerland, the company is led by its visionary creator, Mrs. Giselle Rufer.
On the occasion of the "Artwork" exhibition during the WLEC conference, Giselle Rufer presents the Cascade watch, a collective creation by women, embodying artistic collaboration and feminine empowerment.
 
"Cascade" Source of life
Created for Elise, a radiant and extraordinary woman, the DELANCE Cascade watch is a reflection of her spirituality. Designed by her daughters as a tribute to their mother, it expresses their deep filial love and the passion for art that she passed on to them.
Its creation is, in itself, a love story. For her 60th birthday, Elise wished for a personalized DELANCE watch. Her daughters, Géraldine, an engraver and stone setter, and Caroline, a miniature painter, came to me to bring it to life. They spoke of their mother’s courageous journey, her love for her family, and her deep connection with nature. Every day, regardless of the weather, she retreats to the forest—her sacred space—where she finds solace sitting beneath the birch tree by the waterfall.
How could all this be captured in a watch?
For her daughters, a diamond at their birth hour and three small heart-shaped diamonds at six o’clock, representing her three grandchildren. The heart also symbolizes the love of her husband. Géraldine engraved the texture of birch bark on the left side, while Caroline painted the waterfall on the mother-of-pearl dial.
This watch is a true masterpiece—a miniature sculpture, a precious jewel—created by women, for women, and a universal symbol of our talent.

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Dolls and Dowries 

by Felicia Djamirze (​Neuro Vitality Pty Ltd, Australia)

This piece is not only art it is advocacy, and I hope that it will provoke within you an awareness of the plight of many children around the world and in our communities and ask what can we be doing differently today to protect our children. Forced child marriage is a severe violation of human rights that affects millions of girls worldwide. It is defined as a marriage where one or both parties lack full, free, and informed consent, often due to cultural, economic, or social pressures. This practice disproportionately impacts young girls, perpetuating cycles of poverty, abuse, and limited opportunities for education and personal growth.
One of the most devastating consequences of forced child marriage is the loss of autonomy and agency. Many girls are forced to drop out of school, limiting their access to education and economic independence. This is the feminisation of poverty and perpetuates gender inequality, as these young brides are often financially dependent on their husbands and in-laws, making it difficult to escape abusive or oppressive situations. The lack of education also impacts future generations.
Child marriage has severe health consequences. Young girls are at higher risk of experiencing complications from early pregnancies, including life-threatening conditions such as obstetric fistula and maternal mortality. They are also more vulnerable to domestic violence, marital rape, and sexually transmitted infections due to the power imbalance within these forced unions.
Beyond the individual level, forced child marriage has long-term societal and economic repercussions. Countries where child marriage is prevalent often see slower economic growth, as a lack of education and workforce participation among women stifles national development. Efforts to combat this practice must include legal reforms, education initiatives, and community programs that empower girls and challenge harmful cultural norms.
Eradicating forced child marriage is essential to achieving gender equality and ensuring that all women and girls have the freedom to make choices about their own futures.