Concerns over Trump policies take center stage at the Forbes Women’s Summit

Global Business

Concerns over Trump policies take center stage at the Forbes Women's Summit

More than 100 million dollars – that’s how much “Wonder Woman” raked in on opening weekend in the U.S., making it the biggest box office success for a female directed film. It’s also the first superhero movie helmed by a woman.

“I think it’s amazing,” said movie director Patty Jenkins. Jenkins directed this summer’s blockbuster film “Wonder Woman.” “I’m so excited to be the one but I hadn’t even focused myself on how few people have gotten the chance so I’m honored.”

Forbes’ annual gathering of women has always been about girl power but this year there was a sense women need to flex their muscles more than ever.

CGTN’s Karina Huber reports.

“While we’ve always addressed issues that are important to women, the sense of priority and urgency to have these conversations and translate ideas into action has never been stronger,” said Forbes Media Executive Vice President Moira Forbes.

The elephant in the room at this year’s Forbes Women’s summit was Donald Trump. It marks the first summit since his election and many of the speakers expressed concern about the direction of policies that impact women under his administration.

Many women across America were disappointed by Trump’s election. An estimated three to four million Americans participated in the Women’s Marches after his inauguration in January.

The numerous allegations of sexual harassment leveled at Trump and the leaked tape of Trump’s lewd comments directed at a female actress turned off many female voters. But Cecile Richards, the president of Planned Parenthood, is most concerned about policies that could impact women’s health.

“The fundamental ability for women to participate in the workforce and to do the work in the companies that all of you represent is their ability to access healthcare and to make decisions about when and whether to have children,” said Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards.

The current healthcare bill being considered in the U.S. Congress would defund Planned Parenthood, which provides reproductive services and other healthcare to roughly 2.5 million people every year.

“The single institution that has the most impact on our lives, our rights, the future for our children is government,” said Richards. “So marching is great, going to town hall meetings in your pink hats is great, calling congress is great. Voting is essential.”

At this year’s Forbes Women’s summit the hope among many in attendance was to galvanize more women to fight for their rights, rights they feel are threatened under President Trump.