Global Goods Partners co-founders Catherine Shimony and Joan Shifrin were invited to speak at Power Shift 2015, a 2-day forum hosted by the University of Oxford’s SaÏd Business School November 9^th -11^th. Titled Women in the World Economy, the forum brought together women leaders from business, academia, nonprofits and multi-lateral institutions to share best practices, innovative research and inspiring personal stories to an audience of over 250.

Professor Linda Scott; Saïd Business School/Power Shift/Fisher Photography Ltd

The opening plenary featured Arancha Gonzalez, the executive director of the International Trade Center, who highlighted the ITC’s initiative to bring one million women enterprises to markets by 2020. Using data driven analysis, she underscored women’s contribution to the global economy and the necessity to open markets for equality, reminding the audience that “Women are half of humanity but not half of the economy.”

Arancha Gonzalez, executive director of the International Trade Centre

Alison Kiehl Friedman, vice president of the Global Fund to End Slavery, presented an anguishing analysis of global slavery and the role the world’s mounting consumerism plays in perpetuating the growing slave trade. Alison recommended slaveryfootprint.org to learn more about our connection to this odious crime.

On the panel, Bring Tradition to New Markets, Joan and Catherine were joined by Ndinini Kimesera Sikar, the executive director of MWEDO, our partner in Tanzania, and Charlotte Oades, of the 5by20 Coca-Cola. Joan and Catherine highlighted the importance of balancing cultural and social considerations with strong management skills.

 Catherine and Joan with Ndinini Kimesera Skar, Executive Director of MWEDO

A highlight of the event was a debate staged at the Oxford Union, where the question before the group assembled was “Should Feminism be re-branded?” The topic led to a lively debate and conversations among attendees well into the night.

 Susan Rudy, Visiting Scholar at Oxford University, at the Oxford Union.