Ebru Ozdemir, Chairperson of Limak Holding's Board and Chair of the World Economic Forum Engineering and Construction Industry Group, makes a powerful statement. She declares that investing in women's employment represents the most efficient path toward building a resilient, inclusive, and future-proof economy.
Gender-Focused Programs for the Digital Age
In an article prepared ahead of the annual Davos summit, Ozdemir emphasizes a critical need. Reskilling and upskilling programs must adopt a gender-focused approach. This shift is essential to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital economy. She also underlines another vital point. Integrating more women into STEM professions is non-negotiable. This integration secures the human capital required to tackle planetary-scale challenges effectively.
A Direct Investment in Growth and Resilience
"We cannot achieve a sustainable economy without gender parity in STEM," Ozdemir writes clearly. She positions women at the forefront of engineering and technology as the most crucial investment for growth and resilience. Her article, titled 'From digital divide to investment dividend: Why women are the key to a future-proof workforce', presents a compelling economic argument.
Ozdemir urges a fundamental change in perspective. Investment in women and girls should not be viewed as a mere social expense. Instead, it must be recognized as the highest-return capital expenditure for a resilient and inclusive economy. "The foundational truth remains: Investing in women is investing in humanity's most underutilized economic engine," she states.
Beyond Social Justice to Practical Solutions
She adds a practical dimension to the discussion. Investing in the skills of female engineers transcends social justice. It becomes the most direct method to secure the specialized human capital needed to address trillion-dollar global problems. "It’s how we ensure that our infrastructure investment is not just built, but built sustainably and inclusively," Ozdemir explains.
Davos 2026: A Forum for Dialogue
The World Economic Forum will soon host its 56th Annual Meeting. This gathering in Davos is scheduled from January 19 to January 23, 2026. The event will convene nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries. They will meet under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue." This dialogue is especially pertinent amid current global conditions. Heightened geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological change define the landscape.
Ozdemir's message arrives at a critical moment. It challenges global business and political leaders to rethink their investment priorities. By focusing on women's employment and STEM education, nations can build stronger, more adaptable economies. This approach directly addresses some of the world's most pressing challenges.
