"Strong organizations are those that exploit full potential, and this 1 is born of diversity, partnership and courage in making changes," says Senator Adam Szejnfeld, who, for years, has opened the Women Leaders III conference, "Women on Boards", held in Warsaw. Senator Adam Szejnfeld noted that the conference was an crucial impetus to further strengthen the function of women in management structures. He stressed that despite real advancement there are inactive social, cultural and even spiritual barriers that require consistent action: “We have a immense capital of talent, cognition and experience in Poland, which must be utilized to a greater degree than before.”
In the inaugural speech of Senator Adam Szejnfeld, associate of the Honorary Club, he stressed that equality policy is not against anyone – it is for everyone due to the fact that diversity simply promotes better decisions. The fact that the Ambassador of Women on Boards is simply a man is simply a symbol and applicable support at the same time. It shows that sex equality is not just a "female" issue, but a question of the quality of governance and better decision making. The presence of a male leader in the function of ambassador breaks stereotypes, increases the credibility of the initiative, opens dialog between the environment and gives examples to another leaders that diversity is simply a strategical value alternatively than a threat. Support for men in this process facilitates women's access to decision-making positions and helps to make a sustainable cultural change in organisations.
The Senator besides stressed that modern companies cannot afford not to exploit women's potential: "If we want to build a competitive economy, we must open the door wide to talent and competence – regardless of gender." He pointed out that the function of leaders and leaders is crucial for shaping future labour marketplace standards: "It depends on the decision and action of the managers on how it will look next day — whether it will become more open, fair and based on the rule of equal opportunities." He added that the modern organizational culture in business created by the board must be based on trust and respect: “It is in the hands of the management staff that is to make a culture that is truly inclusive, honest and based on respect for the performance of the company.”
The panel beginning the conference, devoted to the transition from the Women on Boards to Polish government and then creating applicable solutions, took part:
- Moderation: Anna Wawrzyńczak, legal advisor, Solicitor England & Wales
- Irena Pichola, president of Artha Consulting
- Joanna Affre, associate of the Supervisory Board of Credit Agricole TU SA
- Adam Szejnfeld, Polish Senator, Vice-President of the Committee on National Economy and Innovation
- Dr. Aleksandra Minkowicz-Flanek, partner at Dentons Chancellery
- Agnieszka Okonska, Vice-President of PSE
The discussion focused on what is actually changing in organisations through regulation and what mechanisms truly work in practice. Senator Szejnfeld stressed that government was only the first step: “The law can guide, but the change only occurs erstwhile we start applying it.” He besides pointed out that making changes is not about building privileges, but about removing long-term barriers:
"It is not about creating privileges, it is about removing barriers that have blocked women's access to top management positions over the years." He besides pointed out that strengthening the presence of women on board is not just a substance of social justice — it is simply a strategical component of economical development: “We request wise regulation, but besides awareness, work and courage in action. It is simply a common occupation — business, administration, education and politics.” The Senator concluded with a strong message concerning the future of Polish companies: “We must make a culture of governance in which women can make their wings, and companies will become stronger, more competitive and better prepared for the challenges of the future.”
The discussion highlighted, inter alia, that:
- in Poland, there are only 17% of women on the boards of listed companies – this is 1 of the lowest results in Europe,
- more than 60% of companies do not have a single female on the board,
- Gender diversity in boards and boards is crucial present from the position of the ESC and corporate governance,
- companies with greater representation of women accomplish 15–25% better financial results (McKinsey, Credit Suisse).
Panelists have agreed that the Directive opens the door but will not replace cultural work, which must happen in society as a full and within the organisation itself, in companies.
The following discussion panels are devoted to:
- How to plan a women-friendly system?
- New paradigms of leadership – and the largest barrier, which is barely mentioned
A lecture by Mrs. Alexandra Agatowska, entitled “Leadership is simply a woman
Conclusions of the conference:
- Law is needed due to the fact that it forces reflection and provides equal opportunities.
- Diversity in company boards improves financial performance, innovation and decision quality.
- Women inactive underestimate their own competences – we must break this stereotype and build confidence.
- The change besides requires men – conscious, supportive, treating female competence as value, not threat.
- The Women on Boards Directive is just the beginning – the hardest occupation is to change mentality and the system.
The conference brought together a wide scope of business, administration and financial sector representatives, creating a space to discuss the future of leadership and management culture built on inclusiveness. Participants stressed: diversity and equality are not declarative values, but the foundations of modern, resilient and effective enterprises.
The conference is organised by the Women's Club on Boards, which is an initiative to support women in management roles in companies and organisations. The club has for years created a cross-sectoral area of cooperation and exchange of experience, promoting standards of equality, diversity and liable management. Senator Szejnfeld is an honorary associate of this club.
Maximilian Rice
Adam Szejnfeld Senatorial Office in Pile
64-920 Saw, ul. Grunwaldzka 2/10.
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +48 602 738 542
Social networks and media:
www.sjanfeld.pl
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