When it comes to tackling the global economic crisis, what would women do differently? Do women have insights that have so far eluded male world leaders?

Around the globe, chambers of commerce and industry are striving to raise awareness of the growing presence and importance of women in business and the global economy. At the upcoming 6th World Chambers Congress in Kuala Lumpur from 3-5 June, women business leaders are set to address some of the most salient issues affecting them in today’s world business environment.

Organized by the ICC World Chambers Federation and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), the Congress will feature a panel discussion to discuss the important role of women leaders in policy formulation and other issues directly affecting their businesses.

Some of the issues due to be examined in the session include raising the visibility and importance of women, the common traits found in  women leaders, the challenges facing women in running businesses, access to skills training, and how chambers and women business groups are making a difference.

“A women-friendly environment for doing business not only makes good business sense but can contribute to a fair and open trading system,” said Sophia Economacos, President of the Eurochambers Women Network, who will take part in the session as a speaker.

Ms Economacos, who has been recognized for her efforts for the improvement of women entrepreneurship in Greece, will be joined on the session panel by Selima Ahmad, Founder and President of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce, and Beatrice Booth, the first female President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Queensland, Australia.

The session will open with an address from Irene Natividad, President of Global Summit for Women, Washington DC. Ms Natividad, who also Chairs Corporate Women Directors International, will report on the results and recommendations stemming from the Global Summit for Women, held in Santiago, Chile, just prior to the Congress.

FMM President Mustafa Mansur said that the session was particularly pertinent to the Federation as it had recently set up a working committee aimed at promoting the role of women in business, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Mr Mansur noted that many chamber and business groups needed to do much more to support women. He encouraged a large participation in the session to meet the challenge of better representing and supporting the role of women in the global economy.

To attend this session and other workshops, register online for the 6th World Chambers Congress at www.KL2009.com