Support, Self-Confidence Among Things Women Say They Need Most

Most say “support,” according to survey on Facebook and at Women in the World Summit.

This year’s Women In The World Summit proposed many solutions to help women around the globe obtain equal rights and equal opportunities. To hone the solutions explored during the three-day conference, The Daily Beast asked summit participants and audience members: “What is the one thing women need more of?” We posted participants’ answers in the summit’s photo booth gallery, and also invited the rest of the world to weigh in on our Women in the World Facebook page.

• Poll shows what Women in the World wantThe most resounding cry was for “support”—mentoring, compassion, and support systems created for women, by women. Commenters on Facebook and panel participants at the summit stressed that women need to unite their voices and work together as a team. Many Facebook posts detailed instances of backstabbing and competition for male attention, particularly amongst young women and “mean girls.” There were also many requests for support from men, tied in with “respect” and better treatment. “Self-Confidence” was cited almost as often as support on Facebook and among summit participants.

Gallery: The One Thing Women Need Most

“Education” was another common answer, with many people explaining that education is a key for women in attaining equal opportunities and rights.

A panel moderated by Echoing Green President Cheryl Dorsey stressed the importance of making technology accessible to women around the world. Like education, technology is an important tool that women need to in order to be empowered, active leaders. Many others said “empowerment” and more women in government and prominent political positions as the one thing that women need more of.

Some called for “economic independence” and equal pay, highlighting the injustice that so many women in the world get paid less than men. “Healthcare,” childcare, and family planning were also considered crucial, particularly for women living in impoverished, third-world countries.

Other popular answers were “Love”, “Freedom”, “Peace”, and “Courage.”

Lizzie Crocker is an editorial assistant at The Daily Beast. She has written for NYLON, NYLON Guys, and thehandbook.co.uk, a London-based website.

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