THUNDER BAY – Politics – It is International Women’s Day. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Laurel Broten, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, released statements in recognition of International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day – More Business

To mark International Women’s Day 2013 on 8 March, new research from the Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) reveals that globally, more women are making it into senior management roles than at any time since 2010. However, progress is slower in the G7 group of developed economies, where economic performances have been stuttering, than in the high growth economies of Asia and the Far East. Grant Thornton urges businesses in developed economies to emulate emerging market counterparts and reap the benefits of having more women in senior positions.

IBR data shows that globally, 24% of senior management roles are now filled by women. This is up from 21% in 2012 and 20% in 2011. However, the G7 economies come bottom of the league table with just 21% of senior roles occupied by women. This compares to 28% in the BRIC economies, 32% in South East Asia and 40% in the Baltic states.

Francesca Lagerberg, Head of tax at Grant Thornton UK and incoming Global leader of Tax at Grant Thornton International Ltd, commented: “The pioneer economies where economic growth is high have greater diversity in their senior management teams. Women are playing a major role in driving the world’s growth economies, bringing balance to the decision making process and the smooth running of their companies. In comparison, the mature economies of the G7 are now playing catch up. They need to wake up to gender disparity and add this crucial ingredient to long-term growth and profitability.”

International Women’s Day

Minister Laurel Broten states, “Today is International Women’s Day. This is a time to celebrate the achievements – and the leadership – of women here in Ontario and around the world.

In Ontario, we are marking two important milestones for women this year – the 30th anniversary of the Ontario Women’s Directorate and Ontario’s first female premier. Both speak to the continual evolution in the role of women in Ontario society.

As Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, I met with the female consuls general from around the world yesterday to talk about what we can learn from each other in the global effort to end violence against women. And today, I have the honour of celebrating women’s achievements with the Federation of Muslim Women and OASIS Centre des Femmes.

This year, the United Nations’ theme for International Women’s Day is ‘A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women.’ This is a promise I intend to keep.

When we all work together as women and men, we create a safe and fair society and build strong communities, full of opportunity for women in Ontario and around the world.”