Speech by Katherine Tynan Summary The 21st century poses many challenges that require new ways of thinking. None of them is more important than the economic role of women in a quickly changing world. But women today remain blocked from contributing their true potential. This has a huge cost. In some countries, the per capita income is very low because women are not given equal opportunity. They are half the world’s population. But their economic contribution is far less than 50%. We have to change this situation. For empowering women, I suggest three Ls – Learning, Labour and Leadership. Education is the foundation on which any change is built. Learning helps women to help themselves and break free of the chains with which they are bound. This is more necessary in the developing world. In Africa, there is a common saying: “If you educate a boy, you train a man. If you educate a girl, you train a village.” Labour is the second step. L...