This is an abridged version of a post that is published on the official website for International Women’s Day website. Click here to read the full version.

Across the world, too many women fail to meet their full potential in business. Many are even deliberately held back and made to feel like they cannot make a significant contribution.

The situation is bad for society, tragic for women and damaging to global GDP.

On this year’s International Women’s Day (March 8, 2016) I’d like to outline what I believe has to be done get women thriving in business the world over, in both rich and poor communities.

By founding the Corporate Council for Women in Commerce (CCWC), I’m currently developing a completely new approach that unites women through a powerful network of role models, teaches them the value of taking calculated risks, and develops within them the essential communication and business skills that highly effective men and women use.

Both men and women need to address this serious need and take the necessary steps to help millions of women around the world realise the skills they need to flourish in the business world.

That’s why I’m asking you to all make the pledge for parity on the International Women’s Day campaign’s official campaign site and using the Twitter hashtag #PledgeForParity