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Ernst & Young Releases Report Focused on the Strength Women Bring to Rebuilding the World Economy

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young today released a report during the World Economic Forum that highlights the significant and proven contributions women make toward business and economic growth. The report builds a powerful case for the advancement of women around the world as an overlooked and untapped way to meet the challenges of our global economy.

As the world works to recover from the current financial crisis, Groundbreakers: Using the strength of women to rebuild the global economy, is a resource for private sector and government leaders seeking to advance gender equity initiatives around the world. The full white paper can be downloaded at http://www.ey.com/global/content.nsf/International/2009_World_Economic_Forum.

"At a time when our global economy is facing its greatest challenge in decades, we have to capitalize on the contributions women make as leaders, entrepreneurs, and employees," noted James S. Turley, Global Chairman and CEO of Ernst & Young. "Many corporations and governments have been making efforts to advance women -- now is the time to accelerate those efforts. It's time to place renewed emphasis on women's advancement and women's perspectives as a key tool in moving businesses and economies ahead."

The white paper analyzes the most compelling and current research on: 1) the importance of women as an economic force; 2) the wide occupational and wage disparities between women and men; 3) the power of critical mass; and 4) diversity as a mathematical equation for success.

Sources include The World Economic Forum, Goldman Sachs, The White House Project, Catalyst, the United Nations, McKinsey & Company, The European Commission, and many others. It also compiles commentary on key women's issues from leading academics, NGOs, policymakers, and global business leaders.

"It is in everyone's best interest to bring qualified women into leadership positions, especially now when fresh perspectives are needed," noted Ilene H. Lang, President and CEO of Catalyst. "We can no longer afford to set gender boundaries around leadership. The power is in the purse strings: until women are equitably represented in leadership in the private, economic sector, they will be marginalized in every other arena. What's good for women is good for men, business and the global economy."

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 135,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

For more information, please visit www.ey.com.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited located in the U.S.

This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited.

SOURCE Ernst & Young