Empower Your Voice, in celebration of World Voice Day, focusing on women’s empowerment and effective communication.

 

Date: May 6

Venue: OAB RJ – Brazilian Bar Association, Rio de Janeiro.

 

Hybrid panel (in-person and online)

 

 NGO CSW (Virtual parallel Event)

 

Topic:

CONNECTING VOICES: Inclusive and Effective Communication for Women’s Empowerment and Global Sustainability

 

Organizer:

International Federation of Business and Professional Women – Standing Committee on Development, Training, and Employment

 

Time, date and venue:

Tuesday, 11 March 2025; 12:30 – 1:30 pm (New York time); Virtual Event on Zoom

 

Opening: H.E. Ambassador Diana Barragán, President of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (IFBPW)

 

Moderator and Panelist:

 

Ms. Patrícia Cáceres, Speech Therapist and Chair of the IFBPW Standing Committee on Development, Training, and Employment

 

Moderator 2 - Caroline Chow - BPW Taiwan - member of the IFBPW Standing Committee on Development, Training, and Employment

 

Panelists:

   •   Ms. Francesca Burack, Strategic Advisor and IFBPW Vice President for Membership

   •   Dr. Antoinette Rüegg, Past President of IFBPW

   •   Hon. Minister Morgana Richa, Minister of the Superior Labor Court of Brazil

 

Closing Remarks: Ms. Neelima Basnet, Architect and IFBPW Vice President for the United Nations

 

Attendance: 72 participants

 

Major information collected:

Speakers highlighted the essential role of inclusive and effective communication in achieving gender equality and driving sustainable development. The session focused on the transformative power of voice—as a tool for empowerment, advocacy, and leadership—and how communication practices can influence perceptions, bridge differences, and build trust across cultures and generations.

 

Key messages included:

   •   The importance of authenticity, strategic presence, and empathy in women’s leadership and public discourse.

   •   The need to strengthen women’s confidence in using their voices to lead, influence, and mobilize change.

   •   Communication must be inclusive and interactive, allowing for open dialogue, active listening, and collaboration.

 

The interactive panel format enabled real-time audience participation and a final open forum, where participants shared reflections and questions, reinforcing the message that co-creation and connection are critical to advancing women’s voices globally.