Now More Than Ever: Why Women Must Create Their Own Agency

Written By CEO & Co-founder Daniella Kahane

As I reflect on the state of the world today, it’s hard not to feel a deep sense of concern. Over the last few years, many of the systems and initiatives designed to support women—pay equity efforts, DEI programs, gender parity goals—have quietly disappeared from corporate agendas. What once felt like momentum now feels like a slow backslide. The gender gap isn't just persisting—by some measures, it’s widening.

According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2024, it will take an estimated 134 years to achieve full gender parity at the current rate of progress—up from 131 years in 2023. That means we might not see true equality until the year 2158. In the realm of economic participation and opportunity, the gap has closed by only 0.1 percentage points since last year, with women still underrepresented in leadership roles and earning less than their male counterparts. Political empowerment is even more stark, with only 22.5% of the gap closed, reflecting a dramatic underrepresentation of women in political leadership roles globally.

Beyond the systemic setbacks, the personal toll on women in the workplace is profound. Research shows that a lack of agency—the feeling of control over one’s actions and their outcomes—is closely linked to increased anxiety and depression. When we feel powerless, it doesn’t just affect our careers—it affects our mental health, confidence, and overall sense of identity.

And on a personal level, I won’t sugarcoat it—this has been a challenging year for WIN Summit. We've experienced the loss of several historic partners and longtime sponsors, a reflection of the larger pullback we’re seeing across the board when it comes to investment in women’s advancement. But rather than let this discourage us, it has fueled our conviction. We are more committed than ever to creating this space—because we know how deeply it’s needed.

This is why I’m so proud to invite you to the 9th Annual WIN Summit, taking place on May 16 at Apella in New York City. As Co-founder and CEO, this year feels especially personal. We are not just hosting another event—we are holding the line, standing strong in a world that keeps asking us to shrink.

The theme of this year’s summit—Chart a New Course—isn’t just aspirational. It’s a call to arms. It’s for every woman who has ever felt the sting of being overlooked, underestimated, or undervalued. It’s about rewriting the rules of leadership with courage, clarity, and community.

WIN is about more than inspiration—it’s about action. You’ll walk away with tangible leadership tools, hands-on negotiation training, and powerful new connections with women who truly get it. It’s not a conference. It’s a catalyst.

If you'd like a peek behind the curtain, I shared a bit more about what this year means to me personally in this short video.

This moment may feel uncertain—but it’s also full of potential. The future we want won’t be handed to us. We have to claim it, shape it, and lead it.

Let’s do that—together.