Women at Davos: Events, Networking and What to Wear
Women have made up somewhere between roughly 15% and 28% of Annual Meeting attendance over the last two decades. The women-led programme around the week has grown faster than that number has: five standing lounges and breakfast series now run through the week, so you can build a full day out of them whether or not you hold a badge.
Where Women Gather: Top Davos Side Events & Lounges
Two of the five below — the Equality Lounge and the WINLounge — run public panel programmes you can walk into. The other three work on invitation or membership. Book the breakfasts first: they seat the fewest people and fill before December.
- 100 Women @ Davos — A community of women CEOs and founders, active at Davos since 2019, hosting expert panels, high-level networking receptions, and a flagship leadership dinner.
- The Female Quotient's Equality Lounge — On the Promenade for the week — a long-running hub for executive panels, candid conversations, and strategic networking.
- World Woman Foundation & World Woman House — A newly launched physical space in Davos from the World Woman Foundation, part of the World Woman Davos Agenda — discussions on women's health as economic resilience, AI disruption, and the future of work.
- The WINLounge (Women Inspiring Network) — A growing destination hosting multi-sector dialogues on women and wealth, cultural diplomacy, climate action, and purpose-led venture funding.
- Women Political Leaders (WPL) — Runs invitation-only strategic breakfast sessions during the week, built specifically for women in governance, diplomacy, and global policy.
For a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute list of parallel panels and receptions, check our side events calendar.
Davos Dress Code: Professional & Practical Packing Tips for Women
Conditions swing between slush and hard sub-zero, often on the same day. Three rules cover it: one coat you can carry over your arm indoors, boots you can walk three kilometres in, and nothing you have to unbuckle or unlace at a security check.
Essential footwear
- Waterproof boots with rubber lug soles — Essential for navigating the slippery, snow-packed sidewalks of the Promenade safely. If you're not walking much, comfort matters more than tread.
- Sneakers — A smart alternative on completely dry days, for moving quickly between venues.
Smart layering for security checkpoints
Security checkpoints are frequent. Avoid bulky, hard-to-remove clothing. Instead, use a modular layering strategy:
- Thermal base — High-quality merino wool or silk underwear.
- Mid-layer — Fine-gauge cashmere knits or a tailored knit dress.
- Top layer — A strong, structured blazer.
The style profile
The standard dress code is refined European business casual — polished, professional, and functional. Opt for tailored trousers, sharp blazers, and statement jewelry that fits comfortably around your mandatory badge lanyard. Wear a stand-out chic hat if that suits your vibe — there's a real winter-fashion moment happening on the Promenade too.
Frequently asked questions
What events are there for women during Davos week?
Several run alongside the official programme: 100 Women @ Davos (a community of women CEOs and founders active since 2019), The Female Quotient's Equality Lounge on the Promenade, World Woman House from the World Woman Foundation, the WINLounge from Women Inspiring Network, and Women Political Leaders' breakfast sessions.
Do I need an invitation to attend these women's events at Davos?
It depends which one. Women Political Leaders' breakfasts and 100 Women @ Davos are invitation- or membership-based. The Equality Lounge and the WINLounge run a fuller public panel programme alongside their invited sessions, so there's more open access to at least part of what they host.
What should women wear to Davos?
Waterproof boots with rubber lug soles for the Promenade's packed snow and ice — sneakers only hold up on a dry day. Layer for repeated security checks (thermal base, knit mid-layer, structured blazer), and dress to the standard "refined European business casual."
What percentage of Davos attendees are women?
Female attendance at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting has moved between roughly 15% and 28% over the last two decades — real growth from where it started, still well short of parity.
Planning a visit?
We can help coordinate logistics and scheduling.
See you at the Magic Mountain.