Pathways to Gender Equity: Can Global Perspectives Lead to Global Solutions?
On October 15th, at Start2, over 40 GABA members gathered in Palo Alto for an engaging discussion on gender equity. The event, “Pathways to Gender Equity,” examined how transatlantic insights and industry best practices might offer solutions for women’s career advancement and economic status. Could a comparative analysis help address persistent issues like pay disparities, leadership gaps, and board representation?
Tracey Grose, Founding Principal at Next Curve Strategy and a GABA Board Director, moderated the panel. The distinguished speakers included Yvonne Lutsch, outgoing Investment Principal at Robert Bosch Ventures USA; Gerlind Wisskirchen, a labor law partner at CMS in Germany; and Soody Tronson, Managing Founder at STLGip Law and a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur.
Tracey opened the conversation by highlighting the ongoing challenges: the gender pay gap persists across industries and countries, and women remain underrepresented at all levels. She prompted the panel and audience to consider: What public policies are making a difference, and how are companies tackling these challenges?
Yvonne pointed out the stark funding gap in Silicon Valley’s startup scene, noting how female founders often struggle to secure adequate resources. She emphasized the need for more female investors to create a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.
Gerlind discussed promising public policies, such as Germany’s gender transparency directive and California’s requirement for pay ranges in job postings. While board quotas in Europe have seen mixed results, they have raised awareness, shifting the focus from women to systemic issues.
Soody shared personal advice, encouraging women to stay goal-focused, advocate for themselves, and take credit for their contributions. The audience echoed her sentiments, with one attendee noting the opaque hiring and promotion practices that often disadvantage women.
The panel also touched on the importance of mentorship and sponsorship. Ivonne shared how a silent sponsor had supported her career, while audience members contributed stories of mentors who became long-term allies. Gerlind concluded by stressing that diverse teams perform better, achieving greater success.
Tracey wrapped up the event with four key takeaways:
Track progress on gender equity in organizations and industries.
Talk to raise awareness, ask for promotions, and seek mentorship or sponsorship.
Connect with others to build a network of support across genders.
Acknowledge the contributions of women, especially when others attempt to claim their work.
The event was thought-provoking, inspiring, and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve gender equity. A big thank you to Start2 for hosting! We hope you’ll join us next time!
By Antonia Fore