World Intellectual Property Day has become a truly global event, with celebrations taking place all over the world. While intellectual property (IP) awareness levels are arguably higher than ever, there are still many sectors of society, including women, that still need to raise awareness and understanding of the critical role that IP plays in driving innovation and creativity, business growth and sustainable development. World Intellectual Property Day is an important means to reach these audiences and to showcase the opportunities and benefits that can come from the effective use of intellectual property in today's fast-paced and digitally driven world.

Women make up nearly half (49.58 per cent) of the global population. While women in all regions are shaping the world through their imagination and ingenuity, they face many challenges and their innovative and creative potential remains largely underutilized.

Despite some progress, women are still grossly underrepresented in the use of intellectual property rights. As a result, too few women benefit from the IP system. At a time when building economic resilience for recovery is a top priority, it is more important than ever to connect women to the IP system to accelerate innovation, creativity and business growth.

On World Intellectual Property Day 2023, let us work together to promote the development of more inclusive and diverse ecosystems that accelerate innovation, creativity and business growth for the benefit of all.