In recent years, South Asia has been beset with an unprecedented combination of negative 
shocks. In Sri Lanka, an economic crisis on the heels of COVID-19 pushed approximately 3 million people into poverty. In Pakistan, the devastating 2022 floods – a direct result of the country’s vulnerability to climate change – left between 8.4 million and 9.1 million more people in poverty. These impacts have been further amplified by the global fuel and food crises in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And they hit hard those who are already the most vulnerable –women, youth and children.
Tag Archives: Women
Banking on Women Who Trade Across Borders
“Banking on Women Who Trade Across Borders” underscores the critical need for gender
equality in international trade and trade finance. Despite the documented positive impacts of women-owned businesses on economic growth and poverty reduction, a significant gap remains in understanding how international trade intersects with female participation, particularly in accessing trade finance. Drawing from interviews across Africa and Latin America, the report explores the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs and proposes solutions.
When Women Win, the World Wins
In May 1988, Alejandra Arévalo became the first female geologist to enter an underground mine in Chile. In doing so, she defied a popular myth: that a woman brings bad luck by venturing into a mine. She also broke the law.
Continue readingWomen, Business and the Law 2024: Breaking Down Barriers to Achieve Gender Equality
It’s time to mobilize the economic power of women
The world has seldom been in a tighter spot. Across the globe, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, with greater economic damage, even in the wealthiest countries. Food insecurity is on the rise, and climate change is making it worse. In 2022, about 2.4 billion people—nearly a third of humanity—lacked year-round access to enough safe and nutritious food, with women and girls bearing the brunt: They account for nearly 60 percent of people facing severe hunger.
Continue readingDigital pathfinders: The role of youth in the online gig economy
Can you imagine a job where you can decide where to work, when to work, and which
projects to work on? According to our recent data analysis, this is exactly how 243 million youth around the world are challenging the traditional career path, particularly in developing countries where they seek higher pay and jobs that are not easily available close to home.
Breaking Barriers in Sri Lanka: A Woman’s Journey to the Top | Talking Development
Women Helping Women Out of Poverty—One Business at a Time
At 2 a.m. in the quiet streets of Balykchy, a small town in the Kyrgyz Republic, most people
are deep in the embrace of their dreams.
But for Altynai Arzymatova, a 34-year-old single mother of three, the day is already getting started.
Unlocking the potential of the seaweed sector for sustainable growth
spurring economic growth and providing opportunities for greater social equality. Take seaweed, for instance.
For centuries, brown, green, and red algae growing naturally in salty coastal waters or strewn along shorelines has been gathered for consumption and sale –mostly by women – to support the nutritional and economic needs of rural families and communities. In more recent times, women have also dominated aquaculture production of seaweed.
Realizing a Brighter Future for a Young, Energized, and Connected Africa
“We need the means for our dreams to come true.” –Hafsat Abdullahi, Nigerian poet
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania recently bustled with immense energy and optimism. The ambitions and aspirations of young people were matched with commitments by African leaders to take action and invest in people toward a brighter future.
Netherlands for the World Bank 
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