12 must-read stories about gender

This week’s digest of stories about how the gender gap plays out around the world – in business, health, education and politics. Subscribe here to receive this by email.

Where are the women in global power? As leaders gather in Davos, these seven charts show the dearth of women at the top of business, academia, politics and finance. (World Economic Forum)

“Coming out made me a better leader.” Beth Brooke-Marciniak, an executive at EY, on why LGBT awareness is on the agenda at Davos. (World Economic Forum)

Q&A: What is the future of fatherhood? Psychologist Adam Grant on the changing role of men at home and at work, ahead of a Davos debate on family life. (World Economic Forum)

To achieve gender equality, “we need to mobilise not just parliaments but populations, not only civil society but all society.” Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women. (World Economic Forum)

How one woman is changing business lending in Africa. 85% of small businesses in emerging markets suffer from a lack of access to credit. (Forbes)

Why women don’t speak up in the workplace. Either they are ignored or judged as too aggressive, write Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant. (New York Times)

Sexism and the City. London’s financial sector has a problem with senior women. (Financial Times)

Goodluck Jonathan hopes for female president in Nigeria. The Nigerian president said it should happen in his lifetime. (Premium Times)

But there’s a backlash against African women. Public strippings are the frontline of a war on women’s progress in rapidly urbanising societies. (New York Times)

Why are so many women in China rich? The one child policy and high expectations have played a part. (Fortune)

Can the US fix its maternity leave system? Half of American woman don’t get any paid time off after giving birth. Washington can’t ignore this forever. (Businessweek)

Sony hack spawns one big winner. Charlize Theron reportedly negotiated a $10m deal for her next movie, in line with her male co-star. (Business Insider)

Statistic of the Week

105 out of 111 countries studied have made positive strides towards gender equality since 2006, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap report.

Some comfort, even if no country has closed the gap entirely.

Quote of the Week

“I am heartbroken that the same crusty attitudes the war generation brought to the diversity question are still being used against my daughters.”

Linda Scott, DP world chair for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, writing for the World Economic Forum.

Author: Ceri Parker, Associate Director, Forum Agenda.

Image: Models are silouetted as they wear creations as part of Salvatore Ferragamo’s Spring/Summer women’s 2003 collection during the Milan fashion shows REUTERS/Dylan Martinez