ENRICA MARIA GHIA – Women Who Are Changing the World

In the 1970s, during a period of intense social and feminist ferment in the United States, the International Women’s Forum was born — an initiative aimed at giving voice to women leaders and promoting gender equality in the political, economic, entrepreneurial, academic and scientific spheres, through the example of the first women who “broke the glass ceiling”.

Among the pioneers, were Elinor Guggenheimer, Muriel Siebert, Muriel Fox e Eleanor Holmes Norton. Today, the IWF is a network of over 8,000 women — scientists, astronauts, executives, politicians — from all over the world, united by shared goals and a powerful sense of international solidarity. Inspirational figures such as Anna Wintour, Condoleezza Rice, and many others are among its members.

Enrica Maria Ghia, a lawyer based between Rome and Milan, leads the Italian chapter of the IWF and speaks about the models and perspectives of womanhood that have the power to change the world — a conviction rooted deep in her own history.

A demanding profession, three children, and yet a drive to look beyond and dedicate yourself to social commitment?

I work in corporate law and run a law firm with offices in both Milan and Rome. I have two sons and a daughter, and I grew up in a family where we were taught that we have a responsibility towards others. We are not isolated molecules: we relate to the world around us. I’ve always been involved in charitable work and in supporting women in need, collaborating with various organisations such as The Circle Italia, the network founded by Annie Lennox. Since 2023, I’ve been President of the International Women’s Forum for Northern Italy.

Which female role models have most inspired you?

The women in my own family. My great-grandmother, Leonarda Vaccari, founded the institute in Rome that still bears her name today. At the time, it was a private institution — today it is public — but our family remains deeply involved in its mission. It was founded in 1936, during a time of war, when no one was thinking about the needs of people with disabilities. My other great-grandmother, Enrica Dandini de Sylva — after whom I’m named — was deeply engaged in social relations and held a pilot’s licence. My mother, Saveria Dandini de Sylva, is still President of the Leonarda Vaccari Institute. And then there’s my aunt Serena, my mother’s sister, who brought female-driven satire to television with La TV delle ragazze.

Let’s talk about the International Women’s Forum, which was founded in the United States and has been active for over 50 years: what does it do today, and how has it evolved since its inception?

It represents the natural evolution of a vision that was already ahead of its time over half a century ago. The objective remains the same: to support and elevate women leaders, promote sisterhood, mutual support, and the forging of strong connections between women in key positions, offering positive role models. Considering that one of its founders was Eleanor Holmes Norton, an African-American lawyer and politician, it's clear how forward-thinking they were on themes such as diversity and inclusion. Today we are active in 35 countries, with more than 8,000 women in our global network. There is certainly far more awareness than there once was.

What is your mission today?

To connect women leaders across countries so they can truly make a difference. It's not just about change — it’s about improvement: defending the gains already made while striving for ongoing social progress. The conferences we organise are moments of exchange, synergy and learning. We also hold more intimate, informal events — like MeetUps or Dine Arounds — where deeper connections are formed. When these take place in Asia or Africa, the exchanges are even more enriching.

Which women have influenced you most within the IWF?

I was fortunate — and entrusted with the responsibility — to become President within the IWF at an early stage, which allowed me to take part in international meetings from the outset. It’s hard to choose among so many extraordinary women.

All are incredibly inspiring. These are not sector-specific meetings: we engage with women from every professional sphere, and it’s clear that, collectively, we represent a powerful economic, scientific and social force. In Helsinki, for instance, I met Carolyne Carter, CEO of major organisations and a pivotal figure in American communications. In Hong Kong, I met the petite but formidable Vivian Lau, CEO of Pacific Air Holdings and active on multiple fronts. In Seattle, I encountered Alice Shobe, a lifelong advocate in the third sector, now Global Social Impact Leader at Amazon — she’s leading important social housing projects for employees and vulnerable individuals.

Turning to the younger generation: is it still difficult today for women to attain positions of significance?

In addition to the global conferences, each Forum organises its own initiatives. We run mentorship programmes within companies — aimed at both young men and women — to nurture talent and foster career development. We also speak at public events and collaborate with universities.

Do young women today still strive for independence, achievement, leadership — or do they take these goals for granted?

Every time we meet the young leaders of tomorrow, they express their thanks. They are attentive, engaged, and curious. I believe they are more at ease now, as gender dynamics have improved. But greater ease does not mean less awareness. On their first day in the workplace, they start on an equal footing. There are many highly capable, well-prepared young women. Yet, as their careers progress, they still encounter an uneven playing field: disparities emerge in treatment, in access to opportunities. Being a woman still requires focus and clarity of purpose.

Is there still much work to be done for an organisation like IWF?

Absolutely. There is still a tremendous need.