1. Six lessons on what works in supporting women-owned businesses
- Author:
- Ammar A. Malik, Arjan de Haan, and Alejandra Vargas Garcia
- Publication Date:
- 06-2016
- Content Type:
- Commentary and Analysis
- Institution:
- Urban Institute
- Abstract:
- Throughout the world, economic opportunities are less available to women than to men. Not only is the worldwide female labor force participation rate lower than it is for men, working women earn 10 to 30 percent less than their male counterparts. The share of girls who enroll and complete primary school remains less than boys'. Women hold only 22 percent of national parliament seats around the world. In a recent World Bank study, 90 percent of 173 surveyed countries had at least one law (e.g., prohibitions on women taking up certain jobs) preventing women from taking full advantage of economic opportunities. While gender equality has improved in some respects, minimizing gender-based violence, early and forced marriages, and property-rights violations will take more work. The full realization of women’s economic potential is essential for achieving the ambitious United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which will drive the global development agenda until 2030.
- Topic:
- Gender Issues, Women, Sustainable Development Goals, Business, and Economic Development
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus