Imagine you are chatting with an entrepreneur who is eager to grow their business — confident, well-prepared, numbers in hand. The idea is solid, the plan convincing. You think about product-market fit, weigh operational risks, and start forming an impression of the venture.
Now pause for a moment. Would your view of the business change if the person pitching it were a man — or a woman?
Continue readingThis blog post is part of a special series titled “Spatial Insights into the Gender Employment Gap”, powered by the World Bank’s Geospatial Operations Support Team. Read the series’ first and second installments.
New targets aim to accelerate use of broadband internet, social protection programs, and capital by 2030
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2024 – The World Bank Group today took the first steps toward implementing Gender Strategy 2030, announcing a set of actions and concrete goals that aim to boost economic opportunities for more women.
Digital technologies are ushering in a new era in development—by transforming economies, creating jobs, and improving the lives of even the most vulnerable and remote populations. They have dramatically changed the way we communicate with each other, how we conduct business, and our interaction with the environment. The international community has an unprecedented opportunity to help developing countries reap the benefits of digitalization while mitigating the risks and ensuring that, working together, through accelerated investments and policy reforms, we can close the digital divide.
Continue readingEmpowering women helps countries overcome crises, unleash trillions of dollars in
economic potential, and improve community wellbeing. Yet, globally, the advancement in women’s education has not translated into better jobs, more assets, or stronger voice for women. How, then, to accelerate equality?
“Where are all the women?” I asked my team after assuming the duties of the World Bank
director for Central Asia in July 2021. In my introductory meetings with heads of state, governments, and major cities across the region, I and other World Bank officials were usually the only women in the room.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2022, we at the World Bank Group will
celebrate women’s achievements and contributions with a series of events and engagements – we look forward to your participation!
The UN theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow, recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.”
World Bank Strengthening Gender Statistics project is partnering with National Statistical
Offices in twelve IDA-19 countries to support the production of gender data in the economic domain.
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Over a year into the pandemic, we have witnessed how a sweeping infectious disease and 
lockdown measures quickly deepened inequalities, hindering the progress that many have fought for years to achieve. One of the most striking examples is the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on women.
Netherlands for the World Bank 