This summer, I reread a book that always leaves me thinking: The Spirit Level, by Wilkinson and Pickett. It is an essay on how more egalitarian societies are not only fairer, but also perform better in almost every area: health, education, social trust, and even innovation.
It's not a new book or a passing fad, but perhaps that's why I like it so much. At a time when quick headlines and debates for immediate consumption abound, I find it refreshing to read something that reminds us of something essential: equality is not a whim or a trend. It is the foundation for a more stable and prosperous future for all.
It is important to reflect on the role that each of us—and especially each woman—plays in this journey. Because we are not just talking about numbers or laws; we are talking about how we support people, how we build trust, and how we create spaces where women can grow, share, and lead with confidence.
Over the past 12 years, I have been fortunate to meet and work with a community of women who represent just that: purposeful leadership, with real impact and the courage to support one another. And I can't help but feel proud and grateful to be part of that network, which demonstrates day after day that change comes from action and collective effort, not from theory.
Now that September is approaching and many of us are thinking about new projects and challenges after the holidays, I am left with a simple idea: it is not about asking ourselves what changes we like, but what changes we are willing to lead.
I am clear about this: I want to continue building spaces where equality is not just rhetoric, but a lived reality.
Cristina Ramos Gómez de Balboa, CEO of WOB