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MILAN—A new program, “Empowering Optical Women Leadership: The Challenge of Eyewear” made its debut at a special multi-pronged session on the first morning of Mido, an initiative of ANFAO, the Italian Optical Goods Manufacturers association in partnership with Italy’s Bellisario Foundation. The event was hosted by Barbara Serra, a well-known journalist and writer in front of an audience of executives and media.



A special panel of senior female executives at Italy-based eyewear companies shared their career paths and perspectives at the special new “Empowering Women’s Leadership’ Observatory at Mido.



The program will spearhead a new long term initiative, consisting of new and exclusive research conducted by ANFAO about women’s roles at companies in the Italian eyewear sector, several presentations, a unique roundtable of women’s executive eyewear leaders, and a panel of human resource and organizational managers from within the industry and across Italy.

Historically, ANFAO pointed out, the eyewear industry has experienced high levels of female employment (60 percent) which, however, is not sufficiently reflected in the presence of women in managerial roles (female managers 22 percent). ANFAO has decided to make an active contribution, working alongside local and international associations, to build awareness, promote an inclusive corporate culture, encourage continuing education and foster networking.

A discussion will also take place around the Observatory on gender equality in leadership in the eyewear industry that will lay out the guidelines for a pilot project for female empowerment education and promotion of an inclusive corporate culture.

The well-known Bocconi School of Management and government and policy experts took part in the two-hour event, designed, according to ANFAO, to establish a consistent framework of support for the professional development of women in the optical sector.



Marge Axelrad, SVP/editorial director of Vision Monday and VMAIL, and one of the co-founding board members of OWA, briefed the audience about the origins of the Optical Women’s Association and its membership growth in the U.S. as a model of what such industry organizations can achieve.



After a welcome from Giovanni Vitaloni, ANFAO president, there was an explanation of the content and scope of the new project, developed to be sustained over time throughout the Italian eyewear business. Barbara Salimbeni, ANFAO director and VP Global Trade Marketing, Marchon Eyewear welcomed the audience.

Lella Golfo, president Fondazione Bellisario took part in a special video presentation and Valeria Ferrero, head of Fondazione Bellisario Piemonte, explained the Fondazione’s role in advancing the career development of women in all industry in Italy.

Marge Axelrad, co-founding board member Optical Women’s Association (OWA) and senior VP/editorial director of Vision Monday and VMAIL, Jobson Optical Group, shared the emerging role of professional women and OWA’s mission in the U.S.

A first time roundtable on Women’s Leadership included commentary from: Sara Osculati, chief brand and product officer Thélios - LVMH Group; Clara Magnanini, group communication director, Marcolin; Cristina Di Bari, founder and sole director Trasma and president Fondazione Cottino; and Barbara Tadolini, president of Enel Board of Auditors.

A subsequent discussion about human resources policies to support female leadership included other experts from within and outside the industry including representatives from Thélios - LVMH Group, Marcolin, Marchon, De Rigo Vision, Ente Bilaterale Occhialeria and the Confindustria Belluno Dolomiti, Benedetta Missaglia, UILTEC national official, the Bocconi School of Management and coordinator of the Diversity & Inclusion & Smart Working Observatory as well as members of Italy’s Parliament, the Commission for Labour and Social Affairs and the Impresa Donna Committee of the Ministry of Enterprise.

More information about the next steps of the Empowering Women’s Leadership initiative will be shared in coming months, organizers said.