The role of women in partnership development was discussed in Minsk

4 July 2025

On July 1, 2025, a round table «The role of women in developing partnerships with foreign counterparties within the framework of expanding international cooperation» was held at the Belarusian National Reinsurance Organization.

The round table was attended by representatives of the Russian national insurance company, Belarusian Women’s Union JSC, insurance companies, and banks.

Participants of the round table discussed the role of women in the development of international cooperation of financial institutions, including within the framework of the expansion of international reinsurance.

The UN Global Compact Network in Belarus presented to participants the experience and programs of the UN Global Compact aimed at developing corporate sector efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 5 «Gender equality».

Women influence multilateral dialogues, processes and policies for peace. According to UN-Women, women’s participation in peace talks increases the chance of sustainable peace by 35% after 15 years. Women peacemakers contribute to inclusive processes, de-escalation and trust in communities. Women play an important role in conflict prevention, humanitarian response and human rights protection.

Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a powerful factor for business success. According to McKinsey and leanIn.org studies, there is a direct link between organizational diversity and financial performance. For example, companies with the highest proportion of women in management received a 47% higher rate of return on equity than companies without any female managers. Companies that are in the top 25% of gender diversity are 27% more likely to perform better than the industry average. Companies with gender diversity in the bottom 25% are much less likely to exceed industry standards

To accelerate the process of advancing gender equality, companies can:

• Provide support at the top level: sign the principles of women’s empowerment and apply the seven principles in the workplace, business and community members.
• Conduct effectiveness analysis. Using a tool to analyse gender inequality according to the principles of women’s empowerment, identify gaps and development zones in the organization.
• Participate in the accelerator program «Target Gender Equality» and develop an action plan to achieve gender balance at all levels of the organization.

The UN calls on member states, international organizations and society to remove barriers for women’s career advancement in diplomacy, integrate a gender perspective into all aspects of foreign policy, and inspire and support a new generation of women leaders.

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