72ND U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY I’m chairing on boards or even acting as a director, I bring with me that knowledge of having been an executive,” said Magau of her work in South Africa. “So, in a sense, when you get into a board, you bring with yourself the insight, the pain, the learning of having been there … I’m still focusing now on the empowerment of women on a high level, and privileged as well to be working with organizations like UN Women where we are looking at areas of affirmative procurement.” Dedicated to youth development and engagement, Magau recognizes the need in providing proper education to ensure women are capable of filling the vacant positions of the future. As President of International Women’s Forum, Magau has transformed this passion into action, establishing a platform for young women professionals enabling them to connect and learn from one another.
Global Female Business Leaders
Building on this impetus, the Global Female Business Leaders Roundtable addressed The Intersection between Gender Diversity, Innovation and Economic Sustainability. Desirée Patno, NAWRB CEO & President, was honored and privileged to represent one of the 17 countries in women’s global leadership advancing economic and innovative growth for women in emerging countries. “With the build up to the conference, there were many first for me which caused anxiety and doubts,” shared Patno. “At the ripe age of 56, I had never been to New York except on a layover, I had never been to any of the 17 countries, and I had never spoken to any of these women before. The intense pressure of what to say about women’s issues on a global scale began to weigh heavy on my shoulders. Over the past decade, with the help of my team, colleagues and family, I have chosen a true purpose that will live on for future generations. “Being the only girl in my parents’ family, having four
sons and no daughters in my family, and having no girlfriends while growing up, let’s face it, I was a true tomboy. I could fix the family cars, build a house, fly an airplane, ride a motorcycle, be the landscaper and be the only girl water polo player in the entire league in high school. “Not only had I been the only female in several situations, it wasn’t something that scared me, it was just the way it was. Having my mother repairing her own roof at the age of 71 was normal. The Patno women got it done and did not think twice. “Women’s economic growth, gender equality, confidence and empowerment became my mission. When women were taken advantage of, the systems to help were missing, and there was a lack of collaboration between resources, the path for NAWRB was shaped. So, I asked myself, “Why not me?” When Esther Ayuk asked if I would fly to New York and bring our leadership to help the women of Ghana and other African countries, I didn’t think twice. I said yes without hesitation. “Women, including five first ladies and a president, had been flying all night from several continents. As these incredible women dressed in beautiful colors began to arrive, it was time to unite our wisdom and resources for women.” Anna Mokgokong, Honorary Consul General of Iceland and Executive Chairperson, Community Investment Holdings, has utilized her entrepreneurial skills to achieve demanding goals since she was a girl. Mokgokong, a medical doctor and former restaurant owner, said, “Women of the world, luminaries in their own right, gathered in New York City to discuss a much debated and talked about subject, the emancipation of women and the development of the girl child. For us in leadership positions, it is critical that we become the agent for change, as the thrones of power and influence we sit on could be catalytic in bringing about change. The thrones we sit on could leverage the needed policies that can enable the empowerment and emancipation of women by fostering the development, training and education of young girls.
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