The World Bank Group has taken significant strides toward advancing gender equality with its Gender Strategy 2030, recently unveiled during the 2024 Annual Meetings. This comprehensive strategy focuses on enhancing women’s economic opportunities globally through three primary goals:
1. Broadband Access: The strategy aims to connect 300 million women to broadband, unlocking essential services such as financial inclusion, education, and job opportunities.
2. Social Protection: It will support 250 million women through social protection programs, particularly targeting the poorest and most vulnerable, ensuring they receive the assistance they need.
3. Access to Capital: The initiative also intends to provide 80 million women and women-led businesses with access to capital, addressing a critical barrier to entrepreneurship.
President Ajay Banga of the World Bank highlighted that boosting women’s economic participation not only stimulates the global economy but also strengthens families and communities. He stated, “Through economic empowerment, we are building a ladder out of poverty and extending hope and dignity as far as possible.”
To achieve these ambitious targets, the World Bank will prioritize investments in areas with significant connectivity gaps, advocate for policy reforms, and expand digital social registries. By improving efficiency and reducing bureaucratic barriers, the Bank will ensure that women have direct access to the necessary support.
Ongoing projects across Africa are already demonstrating positive impacts, from expanding digital cash transfer programs in Zambia to supporting women-owned businesses in Ethiopia with loans that increase profits and employment.
As we look ahead, these efforts represent a crucial step in transforming the landscape for women worldwide, creating pathways to economic participation and leadership.
For more information about the World Bank’s initiatives, visit the World Bank article here