Produktdetaljer
Biografisk notat
Named three times to FORTUNE’s list of the most influential women leaders in business, LOIS QUAM, Pathfinder’s CEO since 2017, is a senior leader in the corporate, government, and civil society sectors. At Pathfinder, Lois and her colleagues provide global leadership demonstrating the vital role women play, when supported, in addressing the central challenges of our day. Deeply committed to putting power and decisions closer to those who experience their impact, Lois relinquished her role as Pathfinder’s President to form a leadership group with two other women – President Lydia Saloucou Zoungrana in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and President Tabinda Sarosh in Karachi, Pakistan. Prior to joining Pathfinder, Lois served at the U.S. State Department as leader of President Barack Obama's Global Health Initiative with annual U.S. investment over $8 billion addressing the biggest health challenges facing millions of people across over eighty countries. In the corporate sector, she was the founding CEO of a division of UnitedHealth Group, providing services to older Americans and low-income families across the United States through the Medicare and Medicaid programs and in partnership with AARP. A Rhodes Scholar from Minnesota, Quam has degrees from Oxford University and Macalester College.
“Achieving a world where women everywhere can fulfill their potential is the great unfinished work of today and the very work we must do to make progress. Lois Quam shows how we can build the future we envision for us all by supporting women and girls around the world.”— Hillary Rodham Clinton, 67th US Secretary of State
As the world struggles against escalating crisis and conflict, there's a transformative force waiting to be unlocked—the unparalleled potential of women and girls. In Who Runs the World?, author Lois Quam imagines a world where the brilliance and capabilities of women are not just recognized, but mobilized to create a brighter future for us all.
Who Runs the World? explores what happens when we unlock the immense potential of women and girls globally—by recognizing that reproductive health and rights is at the heart of women’s empowerment. Only by effectively addressing reproductive health can we unlock the untapped power of women and girls, giving global efforts the best shot at combatting major threats to survival on Earth.
Quam is CEO of Pathfinder, a global health and development nonprofit that puts decisions about women’s bodies and futures in their own hands. Her book draws on the stories of Pathfinder leaders in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, showcasing the organization’s revolutionary work to unlock the immense talent of the world’s women, and the obstacles that still stand in the way. Their stories paint a vivid picture of the significant impact that women and girls can have when they drive change in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, and economic development.
Women's empowerment isn't just an idea—it’s the key to global transformation. Who Runs the World? is a call to action for everyone who has experienced for themselves what it means to be able to choose whether and when to have children – and to be able to do it safely, with high quality health care. It is a roadmap for creating a world where everyone is free to make informed decisions about their lives and how this is the surest path to creating a better future for us all.
Girls Can Save the World
In Who Runs the World? Pathfinder CEO, and former FORTUNE 50 executive and U.S. State Department official, Lois Quam offers personal reflections and a global perspective to demonstrate that unlocking the talent of the world’s women – half of all humanity – is the key for global progress in the 21st century. Quam recognizes that reproductive health care – and the ability to make these personal decisions - is central to women’s ability to reach their full potential in life.
This book presents the voices of Pathfinder leaders from Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, showcasing efforts to support and advance women as we confront climate change, fragile health systems, and inequality.
In these pages, you’ll discover the effective global work to unlock women’s talent and inventiveness with reproductive health equity. Who Runs the World? is a call to action for everyone who has experienced for themselves what it means to choose whether and when to have children – and to do so safely.
“Lois Quam argues for universal, unrestricted access to reproductive education and health care in Who Runs the World?, a book that dares to rethink approaches to large-scale problems around the globe.”
— Foreword
“Pathfinder International CEO Quam fashions a powerful anthem for women’s rights in this knockout debut.”
— BookLife by Publishers Weekly Editor’s Pick
“Firecracker call-to-action for women’s healthcare rights.”
— BookLife by Publishers Weekly Editor’s Pick
“An invigorating blueprint for building a better world—this book is sure to inspire readers.”
— Kirkus
“Quam writes with clarity and accessibility, includes exhaustive research, and is proof that a lot of good is happening in the world, but there's still a long way to go...and this book is an excellent start.”
— Readers’ Favorite
“Just as women’s rights are human rights, women’s progress is human progress. Achieving a world where women everywhere can fulfill their potential is the great unfinished work of today and the very work we must do to make progress. Lois Quam first worked with me over thirty years ago and she demonstrates in her life and leadership – and now in her book Who Runs the World? – the resilience and creativity needed for this work. Lois shows how we can build the future we envision for us all by supporting women and girls around the world.”
— Hillary Rodham Clinton
67th US Secretary of State
“This is an inspiring book by an inspiring woman. Lois Quam is a leader, thinker, and mother who has put into words key insights about our world and how to change it. Who Runs the World? is a powerful call to new kinds of action and new ways of thinking.”
— David Miliband
“It is clearer every year that we cannot afford to pursue responses to one challenge at the expense of another. We need holistic, global solutions to climate change that also benefit sustainable development. So, if you want to make a difference on climate, add Who Runs The World? by Lois Quam to your reading list. Quam, a longtime partner with us on setting the climate agenda in Norway, shares why and how empowering women is at the heart of the sustained effort we need for climate resilience.”
— Frederic Hauge
Founder, Bellona Foundation
“Lois and I worked to end preventable maternal deaths through the Saving Mothers, Giving Life initiative. I am delighted she has shared this important work and her vision in Who Runs the World. In it, Lois makes the powerful—and obvious but neglected—point that unlocking women’s talent is key to addressing many of the challenges of the 21St century. She’s right and we can all do our part to make this happen.”
— Christy Turlington Burns
Founder, Every Mother Counts
“Imagine a future where women and girls everywhere have the same opportunity to run the world. Lois Quam imagines and more. These stories of leadership decisions, experiences and lessons, provide a front seat view of her transformational allyship, and a key to unlocking the power of women everywhere.”
— Mary-Ann Etiebet, MD, MBA
Merck for Mothers
“Lois writes Who Runs the World? as we mark a halfway point for the Sustainable Development Goals, set for 2030. Yet we already know we will not achieve many of these goals, unless we enable women to realize their full potential. At the core of this pursuit is the right for women to decide if and when they want to have children, afforded through rights-based family planning.”
— Samukeliso Dube, MD, MPH, MBA
Executive Director, Family Planning 2030
"Women’s leadership in climate solutions is required everywhere. Who Runs the World? Unlocking the Talent and Inventiveness of Women Everywhere rightly highlights the vital role women have to play. I see this at the global COP forums and in the local village. For anyone who cares about addressing climate change, investing in women is the catalytic move that can make all the difference."
— Sherry Rehman
Member of the Senate of Pakistan; Former Minister for Climate Change and Ambassador to the U.S. for Pakistan
“Achieving a world where women everywhere can fulfill their potential is the great unfinished work of today and the very work we must do to make progress. Lois Quam shows how we can build the future we envision for us all by supporting women and girls around the world.”— Hillary Rodham Clinton, 67th US Secretary of State
As the world struggles against escalating crisis and conflict, there's a transformative force waiting to be unlocked—the unparalleled potential of women and girls. In Who Runs the World?, author Lois Quam imagines a world where the brilliance and capabilities of women are not just recognized, but mobilized to create a brighter future for us all.
Who Runs the World? explores what happens when we unlock the immense potential of women and girls globally—by recognizing that reproductive health and rights is at the heart of women’s empowerment. Only by effectively addressing reproductive health can we unlock the untapped power of women and girls, giving global efforts the best shot at combatting major threats to survival on Earth.
Quam is CEO of Pathfinder, a global health and development nonprofit that puts decisions about women’s bodies and futures in their own hands. Her book draws on the stories of Pathfinder leaders in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, showcasing the organization’s revolutionary work to unlock the immense talent of the world’s women, and the obstacles that still stand in the way. Their stories paint a vivid picture of the significant impact that women and girls can have when they drive change in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, and economic development.
Women's empowerment isn't just an idea—it’s the key to global transformation. Who Runs the World? is a call to action for everyone who has experienced for themselves what it means to be able to choose whether and when to have children – and to be able to do it safely, with high quality health care. It is a roadmap for creating a world where everyone is free to make informed decisions about their lives and how this is the surest path to creating a better future for us all.
Girls Can Save the World
In Who Runs the World? Pathfinder CEO, and former FORTUNE 50 executive and U.S. State Department official, Lois Quam offers personal reflections and a global perspective to demonstrate that unlocking the talent of the world’s women – half of all humanity – is the key for global progress in the 21st century. Quam recognizes that reproductive health care – and the ability to make these personal decisions - is central to women’s ability to reach their full potential in life.
This book presents the voices of Pathfinder leaders from Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, showcasing efforts to support and advance women as we confront climate change, fragile health systems, and inequality.
In these pages, you’ll discover the effective global work to unlock women’s talent and inventiveness with reproductive health equity. Who Runs the World? is a call to action for everyone who has experienced for themselves what it means to choose whether and when to have children – and to do so safely.
“Lois Quam argues for universal, unrestricted access to reproductive education and health care in Who Runs the World?, a book that dares to rethink approaches to large-scale problems around the globe.”
— Foreword
“Pathfinder International CEO Quam fashions a powerful anthem for women’s rights in this knockout debut.”
— BookLife by Publishers Weekly Editor’s Pick
“Firecracker call-to-action for women’s healthcare rights.”
— BookLife by Publishers Weekly Editor’s Pick
“An invigorating blueprint for building a better world—this book is sure to inspire readers.”
— Kirkus
“Quam writes with clarity and accessibility, includes exhaustive research, and is proof that a lot of good is happening in the world, but there's still a long way to go...and this book is an excellent start.”
— Readers’ Favorite
“Just as women’s rights are human rights, women’s progress is human progress. Achieving a world where women everywhere can fulfill their potential is the great unfinished work of today and the very work we must do to make progress. Lois Quam first worked with me over thirty years ago and she demonstrates in her life and leadership – and now in her book Who Runs the World? – the resilience and creativity needed for this work. Lois shows how we can build the future we envision for us all by supporting women and girls around the world.”
— Hillary Rodham Clinton
67th US Secretary of State
“This is an inspiring book by an inspiring woman. Lois Quam is a leader, thinker, and mother who has put into words key insights about our world and how to change it. Who Runs the World? is a powerful call to new kinds of action and new ways of thinking.”
— David Miliband
“It is clearer every year that we cannot afford to pursue responses to one challenge at the expense of another. We need holistic, global solutions to climate change that also benefit sustainable development. So, if you want to make a difference on climate, add Who Runs The World? by Lois Quam to your reading list. Quam, a longtime partner with us on setting the climate agenda in Norway, shares why and how empowering women is at the heart of the sustained effort we need for climate resilience.”
— Frederic Hauge
Founder, Bellona Foundation
“Lois and I worked to end preventable maternal deaths through the Saving Mothers, Giving Life initiative. I am delighted she has shared this important work and her vision in Who Runs the World. In it, Lois makes the powerful—and obvious but neglected—point that unlocking women’s talent is key to addressing many of the challenges of the 21St century. She’s right and we can all do our part to make this happen.”
— Christy Turlington Burns
Founder, Every Mother Counts
“Imagine a future where women and girls everywhere have the same opportunity to run the world. Lois Quam imagines and more. These stories of leadership decisions, experiences and lessons, provide a front seat view of her transformational allyship, and a key to unlocking the power of women everywhere.”
— Mary-Ann Etiebet, MD, MBA
Merck for Mothers
“Lois writes Who Runs the World? as we mark a halfway point for the Sustainable Development Goals, set for 2030. Yet we already know we will not achieve many of these goals, unless we enable women to realize their full potential. At the core of this pursuit is the right for women to decide if and when they want to have children, afforded through rights-based family planning.”
— Samukeliso Dube, MD, MPH, MBA
Executive Director, Family Planning 2030
"Women’s leadership in climate solutions is required everywhere. Who Runs the World? Unlocking the Talent and Inventiveness of Women Everywhere rightly highlights the vital role women have to play. I see this at the global COP forums and in the local village. For anyone who cares about addressing climate change, investing in women is the catalytic move that can make all the difference."
— Sherry Rehman
Member of the Senate of Pakistan; Former Minister for Climate Change and Ambassador to the U.S. for Pakistan