Fast Forward Book Summary - Fast Forward Book explained in key points
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Fast Forward summary

Melanne Verveer and Kim K. Azzarelli

How Women Can Achieve Power and Purpose

4.7 (16 ratings)
17 mins

Brief summary

'Fast Forward' by Melanne Verveer and Kim K. Azzarelli is a call to action for women's empowerment. It presents stories and insights on gender equality and offers concrete steps to accelerate women's progress in every aspect of life.

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    Fast Forward
    Summary of 8 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 8

    Women are the driving force of change in the modern world.

    Just a few decades ago, it wasn’t unusual to hear statements like, “Women shouldn’t vote or drive cars and God knows they don’t belong in politics.” Disturbingly, such sentiments still predominate in some countries. The world is changing, however: women are gaining more power and having a greater impact on society.

    In recent years there have been more female leaders, such as German chancellor Angela Merkel, American Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton and Christine Lagarde, head of the IMF. Those women fought hard to make it in a male-dominated world and they’re leveling the playing field with their success.

    Women are also making strides in the world of business. In 2014, the United States had around nine million women-owned businesses that employed over 7.9 million workers and made over 1.4 trillion dollars in revenue. If, for instance, Egypt’s workforce contained as many women as men, the country’s GDP would rise by about 34 percent.

    In fact, women are likely to be the force that drives this century’s global development. About a billion women are ready to enter the global economy – a number comparable to the population of China or India. These women will start new businesses, change the political landscape and increase the quality of life for both their families and their communities.

    In the future we’ll also have more female entrepreneurs and business leaders, which will change the business environment. This is already happening and having a positive impact: studies show that Fortune 500 companies with three or more female board members have a 50 percent higher equity return than those all-male boards.

    We’re on the brink of a major shift in global power. Women are truly poised to change the world.

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    What is Fast Forward about?

    Fast Forward (2015) is about one of the most underappreciated resources on earth: women. These blinks, which argue that women will be the key to this century’s greatest achievements, outline many of the myriad problems that women face, as well as the steps we can take to solve them.

    Fast Forward Review

    Fast Forward (2015) by Melanne Verveer and Kim K. Azzarelli is an enlightening book that sheds light on the global progress of women's rights and empowerment. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It showcases compelling stories and firsthand accounts of women who have made significant contributions to society, inspiring readers to make a difference themselves.
    • By providing a comprehensive overview of key issues affecting women worldwide, the book educates readers and raises awareness about the importance of gender equality.
    • With its accessible language and engaging narrative, the book ensures that readers stay captivated and fully immersed in the stories and insights shared.

    Best quote from Fast Forward

    Women own or lead over a quarter of private businesses worldwide and are in charge of 20 trillion dollars in customer spending each year.

    —Melanne Verveer and Kim K. Azzarelli
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    Who should read Fast Forward?

    • Feminists and human rights activists
    • Anyone interested in global power politics
    • People who want to make the world a better place

    About the Author

    In 2009, Melanne Verveer was appointed the very first US Ambassador-At-Large for Global Women’s Issues. A co-founder of Seneca Women, she’s the executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security.

    Kim K. Azzarelli is also a co-founder of Seneca Women and chair of Cornell Law School’s Avon Global Center for Women and Justice. She’s held senior positions at Goldman Sachs, Avon, Newsweek and The Daily Beast.

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    Fast Forward FAQs 

    What is the main message of Fast Forward?

    The main message of Fast Forward is that gender equality is not just a women's issue, it is an imperative for social and economic progress.

    How long does it take to read Fast Forward?

    The reading time for Fast Forward varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Fast Forward a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Fast Forward is a worthwhile read that sheds light on the importance of gender equality and offers practical strategies for achieving it.

    Who is the author of Fast Forward?

    Fast Forward is co-authored by Melanne Verveer and Kim K. Azzarelli.

    What to read after Fast Forward?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Fast Forward, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • Living the 80/20 Way by Richard Koch
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