Honored As The World Woman Hero of 2025 On The Sidelines Of World Economic Forum

Carolina Müller-Möhl has never been one to wait for change—she makes it happen. As one of Europe’s most influential investors, philanthropists, and advocates for gender equality and education, she has reshaped industries and challenged traditional power structures.Now, her impact is being recognized on the global stage as she receives the World Woman Hero of 2025 award on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. This prestigious honor celebrates women who redefine leadership and drive systemic change in business, philanthropy, and policymaking.

A Visionary at the Intersection of Finance, Policy, and Philanthropy

As President of the Müller-Möhl Foundation and initiator of taskforce4women, Carolina Müller-Möhl has been a driving force in tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time: ensuring education and workforce readiness for the future economy. She has championed policies and initiatives that promote equal access to quality education, recognizing that human capital is the currency of the 21st century. In Switzerland and beyond, she has played a pivotal role in shaping educational reforms and advocating for greater investment in early childhood development, STEM education, and vocational training.Beyond philanthropy, Müller-Möhl is a formidable business leader and investor. With her expertise in finance and corporate governance, she has been instrumental in reshaping corporate leadership and advocating for more women in executive and board positions.

The Gender Gap: Breaking Barriers in Leadership

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, while progress has been made, women still hold only 28% of leadership positions globally. The economic impact of closing this gender gap is staggering—McKinsey & Company estimates that achieving gender equality in the workforce could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025.

Switzerland, despite being a global financial hub, has also struggled with gender parity in leadership. However, thanks to leaders like Müller-Möhl and her gender equality initiative, taskforce4women, Swiss corporations and institutions are experiencing a surge in female representation on boards and in executive roles.

Speaking at the World Woman Hero ceremony, Müller-Möhl emphasized the urgent need for systemic change: “We cannot afford to ignore half of our talent pool. Gender equality is not just a moral imperative—it’s an economic and social necessity. The time for incremental progress is over; we need bold action.”

Making Impact at Scale

Müller-Möhl’s influence extends across business, philanthropy, and global policy. Her foundation’s work in education, gender equality, and public-private partnerships has positioned her as a key voice in shaping the future of work and society.

Her advocacy has led to new policies that encourage corporate diversity – e.g. in the media world -, increase funding for educational programs, and drive systemic reforms such as individual taxation that benefit future generations. She has also mentored and supported countless female entrepreneurs and young leaders, ensuring that the next generation has the resources and confidence to break barriers.

World Woman Hero 2025: A Legacy of Leadership

The World Woman Hero of 2025 award is not just a recognition of Müller-Möhl’s past achievements—it is a testament to her ongoing commitment to driving global change.As Rupa Dash, CEO of the World Woman Foundation, stated during the award presentation: “Carolina is a force of nature. Her ability to drive conversations that lead to real change is unparalleled. She is not just a leader—she is a movement.”

The Future of Women in Leadership: The Work Continues

With leaders like Carolina Müller-Möhl at the helm, the world is moving toward a future where women are no longer just participants in economic growth—they are the architects of it. Her recognition on the sidelines of the  World Economic Forum is a powerful signal that the tide is turning. But Müller-Möhl’s work is far from over—she remains a relentless advocate, a bold investor, and a changemaker dedicated to building a more equitable, educated, and empowered world.

Her story proves that when women lead, the world rises with them.

References

1. World Economic Forum. (2024). Global Gender Gap Report 2024. Retrieved from weforum.org

2. McKinsey & Company. (2023). The Economic Impact of Gender Equality. Retrieved from mckinsey.com

3. Forbes. (2024). Most Influential Women in Business & Philanthropy – Carolina Müller-Möhl. Retrieved from forbes.com