Women's Forum Global Meeting: Reflections from Student Delegates on the Discovery Zone

Introduction

The Women's Forum Global Meeting's Discovery Zone provided a platform for corporate and institutional partners to showcase their practical applications of their principles. Themed hubs, ranging from Culture to Finance and the Future of Health, hosted insightful breakout sessions, workshops, and presentations by prominent speakers. This article compiles reflections from student delegates, particularly those from Sciences Po, on their experiences at the two-day event. These reflections offer unique perspectives on the diverse discussions and topics explored.

Culture Hub: Exploring China and its Evolution

Sylvie-Agnès Bermann, a distinguished diplomat and author of "La Chine en eaux profondes," offered a fascinating perspective on China's rapid evolution during a Culture Hub session. Her 40 years of experience in China provided a rich backdrop for her insights, which were moderated by Véronique Forge, founder and chief editor of Business O Féminin.

Julie Friedrich, a Sciences Po student delegate, found Bermann's reflections particularly compelling:

"Much of the conversation centered on China and Bermann's personal experiences. She consciously sought to transcend the typical diplomatic experience, immersing herself in authentic Chinese life to gain deeper understanding. Her observation regarding young Chinese people, who she described as apolitical children of the Cultural Revolution consistently seeking rapid change, was particularly intriguing. These young individuals, proud of their nation, often return from overseas studies with heightened nationalistic sentiments. I pondered the implications of this abroad experience… Political stability appears to be the core tenet of domestic Chinese politics, potentially explaining the resistance towards democratic transition. Many individuals conveyed their belief that a transition is ‘premature’, potentially resulting in a leader who would establish a dictatorship. While this viewpoint aligns with the patterns observed in other undemocratic nations, the question remains: were the French any more ready for democracy in 1789? Does this indicate a lack of deservingness?"

This reflection highlights the importance of contextualizing political and societal shifts through nuanced personal experiences and critically examines the challenges of democratic transition in various global contexts.

Culture Hub: Music's Role in Times of Crisis

Another Culture Hub session, moderated by Nora Barsali and featuring Florence Notter, former president of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, delved into the diverse uses of music, for better or worse, in a world facing crisis.

Julie Friedrich's reflection on this session provides insight into the discussions:

"I anticipated a session explaining how music can positively impact the 'disrupted world' discussed at the Forum. Instead, Florence Notter offered insights into the complex and sometimes paradoxical ways music is used. Hugo Chavez's funding of El Sistema, a program providing musical instruments to Venezuelan children, was highlighted as a form of 'global therapy for the impoverished.' Notter's point that one's musical preferences do not necessarily reflect character is a key takeaway. The session highlighted that even figures like Wagner, notoriously anti-Semitic and nationalistic, also displayed feminist tendencies. The lack of audience Q&A prevented further exploration, limiting the opportunity for broader audience engagement and agreement."

This reflection sheds light on the complex relationship between music, societal values, and historical context. It emphasizes the need for broader engagement during such discussions, recognizing the potential for diverse perspectives and enriching insights.

Orange Corner: Innovation in Technology and Culture

The Orange Corner session explored the intersection of technology and culture, focusing on initiatives aimed at promoting greater equality. Speakers included Christine Albanel, Roei Amit, and Armelle Pasco.

Melina Dunham's observations provided a valuable perspective:

"I hadn't previously considered the extensive capacity of data to propagate cultural information. Through online conferences, remote visits, and massive open online courses (MOOCs), cultural access is being democratized, fundamentally altering the visitor experience. Technology is not replacing other forms of cultural engagement, but rather diversifying and facilitating it. The success of Orange and Réunion du Musée National projects inspired me. Initially, I had anticipated negative impacts of increased technology access on museum visitation. The reality, however, shows that by enhancing access, these programs have expanded and augmented the physical experience, ultimately promoting engagement across a broader demographic."

Culture Hub: Understanding Current Crisis Through the Prism of Museums

Sabine Cazenave, curator of the Musée d'Orsay, offered insights into 19th-century paintings through a gendered lens in a Culture Hub session, moderated by Laurance N'Kaoua.

Julie Friedrich's reflection on this discussion is insightful:

"The title of this Discovery session, while intriguing, proved slightly misleading. Instead of discussing current events, the session focused on the portrayal of gender in 19th-century paintings. However, it was extremely insightful. She contrasted two Naturalist paintings to illustrate an engaged sociological approach to art during that era. These paintings often presented four distinct female archetypes: independent, unattainable women at social events, peasant figures, religious figures, and mothers. Cazenave contrasted paintings of peasant figures, such as Jules Bastien-Lepage's 'Haymaking' (1877) and Alfred Roll's 'Manda Lamétrie' (1887). While both depict peasant women, Bastien-Lepage's work emphasized the exhaustion and toil associated with the day, conveying fatigue through the subject's facial and bodily expression. Roll's portrayal of Lamétrie, however, presented a serene smile and idealized image of the countryside, downplaying her arduous work. This discussion revealed the evolving societal engagement in art, albeit not explicitly focused on gender equality.

The session prompted several reflections: Does today's city dweller, encompassing the Women's Forum audience, approach rural landscapes much differently than Roll's contemporaries? When I revisited 'Haymaking', I noticed a man in the background. Why had I overlooked him before? Why did the painter choose to focus on the woman? Even within 'engaged' art, it's important to recognize that it's often created and viewed from a masculine perspective.

Conclusion

The student reflections highlight the depth and breadth of discussions taking place at the Women's Forum Global Meeting. The exploration of critical topics like China's evolution, the role of music in crisis, the intersection of technology and culture, and the historical representations of gender within art illustrate the forum's commitment to addressing complex issues from multiple perspectives. The voices of the student delegates provide invaluable insights into the evolving challenges and opportunities for women globally. This provides a strong foundation for future discussion and action.