Gender balance makes better business world

International Women's Day brings attention to the social, economic and cultural achievements of all Women around the world. Elisabeth Gaines, CEO of the Fortescue Metals Group, has succeeded in the male-dominated mining sector and speaks for females.

The gender gap is an issue that remains in many areas of life, especially in the work environment. Women in specific fields find it difficult to progress and flourish in their careers. Gaines cited we have not made much progress in the last 30 years concerning this aspect, adding a lot of industries including banking and finance are still male-dominated.

"We have to find ways that we can better improve gender equality," she said.

Best of all, she did more than insist on gender equality, Gaines said she is proud of the fact that Fortescue Metals Group is one of two major companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange with more than half of female board members.

The company not only has not a female CEO, Gaines told CGTN that 24 percent of its senior leadership team is female as well.

The theme of this year's International Women's Day is #BalanceforBetter, with the hopes to provide "a unified direction to guide and galvanize continuous collective action."

From the organizers of Women's March, balance is not a Women's issue; it is a business one. As Gaines said, "Fortescue is leading a way but there are more industries and various sectors can do to improve gender equality."