Advice from Hilary Clinton & Christine Lagarde

I had the opportunity to participate in a form with former secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde.

They hosted a lively discussion on Women in the Global Economy at the IMF.

Both Madame Lagarde and Mrs. Clinton stressed the important work of organizations such as World Pulse. Congratulations to you all on making such a difference in our world: the two most powerful women in the world are talking about you!

They are both pushing for full participation of women in their villages, communities and countries not only because it means possibilities for global growth, but because it also means personal growth.

This is what so many of you courageous correspondents are already doing:

-pushing to change laws discriminating against women to work, hold property, chose religions or hold office.

-working for these laws to be culturally enforced once they are changed.

-identifying the gaps where women can be even more present in the business world, on boards, in education, and in leadership roles. (We struggle with that a lot right here in the USA, even more so than most developed countries.)

When Mrs. Clinton was asked how young international women could make a difference here is what she said:

1) Form alliances. You have to defend yourself in a non-defensive way and chose your moments wisely.

2) Develop confidence. Take a risk.

3) Don't be critical of yourself. Many young women get in their own way.

4) Work on your public presentation.

5) Find reasons to be grateful every day.

Thank you for all you are doing. The IMF and the US government are taking note!