A diverse panel of leaders from diplomacy, public health, artificial intelligence, and public policy gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing women in leadership at NXT conclave 2026. The discussion focused on stereotypes, workplace barriers, and the importance of increasing women’s participation in the workforce to drive economic growth.

Beginning the conversation, Priya Sahgal, Editorial Director at NewsX noted that gender stereotypes persist, with female ministers frequently assigned to social sectors like women and child development while key power portfolios remain dominated by men. “What about roles where the hard decisions need to be taken, where women can make a difference,” she asked.

Opening the discussion, Dean of Melbourne Business School, Professor Jenny George, highlighted the danger of stereotyping women in leadership roles. She argued that society often assumes women are naturally more empathetic and therefore suited to softer positions. “Empathy is not a female characteristic; it’s a human characteristic,” she said. According to her, limiting women to specific roles prevents organizations from benefiting from the full range of talent and perspectives women bring to the table.

Read more at: https://sundayguardianlive.com/news/womens-leadership-and-workforce-participation-take-centre-stage-176437/