Empowering Voices: Reflections from the Women@Dior x UNESCO Global Conference

Three HEC Paris MBA students were selected from Christian Dior Couture to participate in the Women@Dior & UNESCO 2024 Conference. The conference was hosted in Paris at the UNESCO headquarters.

The conference is a unique opportunity for women from various business, engineering, are and fashion schools from nearly 58 countries to work with Dior Mentors as they progress in their professions. The educational program provides training by inspiring leaders on themes such as gender equality and women’s leadership for a sustainable future. Please read below for HEC Paris MBA Student Wangari Muchau’s reflections on being involved in the conference.

Attending the Women@Dior x UNESCO Global Conference was not just an educational experience, but a profound journey into the heart of global gender dynamics. This gathering was a beacon of hope and a call to arms for women everywhere, highlighting the urgent need for empowered women leaders in every sphere of society.

The world is at a critical juncture. At the conference, we were reminded that it could take up to 130 years to close the gender gap, according to the World Economic Forum. Such a statistic is not just a number—it's a stark reminder that we cannot afford to be passive, especially those of us who are privileged enough to effect change. We must actively engage in dismantling the barriers to gender equality.

Women often bear the greatest burdens in conflict zones, losing access to basic human rights like safety, education, and economic opportunities. The conference highlighted the steep price paid by women in these environments and reinforced the need for secure, supportive communities where women can thrive despite these challenges.

One of the most resonant messages from the conference was the undeniable power of collective action. When we come together, our potential is limitless. The strength of community and mentorship can propel us forward, offering support and guidance as we navigate the obstacles that women often face in professional and personal realms.As young leaders, the path is not always clear, and the keys to success are often elusive. Yet, the message from the conference was clear: do not give up. It’s imperative to ‘restart and reboot’ the system that holds us back. The path to leadership and success is fraught with challenges. We are often reminded that it’s easy to feel defeated when you’re young and haven't yet found your footing. Yet, the key is to persist. We must learn to reboot the system when necessary, remaining humble, curious, and proactive in our pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

"Your voice is your power; your voice is your soul." This powerful statement resonated deeply with me and my fellow attendees. Dior's commitment to giving young women a platform to express themselves is not just about providing opportunities; it’s about transforming lives. Every woman should feel empowered to believe in her dreams, ask for what she deserves, and use her voice boldly.

As we look to the future, it's clear that we must build it ourselves. “The best way to predict the future is indeed to create it”. This involves setting aside apologies—for being present, for taking up space—and embracing our full potential without reservation.



Step out of the shadows and craft the life and career you envision for yourself. It’s time to stop apologizing for our presence and ambitions. Instead, embrace every opportunity to lead, no matter how small it may seem, for it's in these humble beginnings that greatness is often forged. Lastly, we were urged to embrace our beginnings, no matter how humble, as these are the foundations of future greatness. Let us move forward with the courage to be seen and heard, to lead with conviction, and to inspire the next generation of women to rise.

In conclusion, the Women@Dior x UNESCO Global Conference was more than an event—it was a transformative experience that challenged each of us to step into our power and make a tangible difference in the world. Let's answer this call together, forging a path toward a more equitable world where every woman can thrive.

By Wangari Muchau, MBA ‘25

By Wangari Muchau S23 MBA, with a wealth of expertise in marketing the consumer goods industry, now leads as the President of the MBA Africa Club at HEC Paris. In her role she emphasizes her commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and advocating for women's empowerment, using her voice to advocate for meaningful representation and leverages her position to inspire change and foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.