Women have been in the front line during COVID-19 in different positions, affected and greatly burdened by the lack of decision-making structures. Inclusion should take the form of meaningful participation and leadership by women in all decision-making processes to address the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as in planning actions to be taken in the short term. As the COVID-19 crisis unfolds, we must continue supporting meaningful work of women, as agent of change at the local level is key. Community networks established during consolidation efforts can be powerful in shaping the design and implementation of community engagement around COVID-19.

COVID-19 has changed everything. They are forced changes in the world that feel sudden and cataclysmic. We are faced with high unemployment rates, an economic slowdown, an impending recession / depression, and everything else that is likely to take place even before a vaccine hits the market.

These new ways of working could have a major impact on the way organizations structure their IT departments. Will the IT department evolve only through the sourcing capabilities that companies directly need?

As new business models emerge and cash positions remain cautious, companies will look to technology capabilities and functionalities that directly impact business objectives. Capacities should be based on consumption so that costs are represented once the company reaches benefits. For all these reasons, the XII MedaWomen Entrepreneurs Forum intends to address some of these social and technological changes to all companies and organizations led by women. Some of the points to be discussed will be:

• Analysis of the current situation of businesswomen in the Mediterranean.
• Best practices for women in business for this COVID-19 period
• Digitization as a new way of working tool.