Investing in Women: The Key to Economic Empowerment
- Keisha N. Blades
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
Women’s economic empowerment isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s essential for global progress. As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we need to move beyond acknowledgment and take action. The reality is that economic equity remains a major challenge for women worldwide.
"Bridging this gap isn’t just about fairness; it’s about unlocking the full potential of our economies and societies."
The Current Reality
Think about the woman selling produce at the market, the single mother working multiple jobs to make ends meet, or the young girl with big dreams of owning her own business. What do they all need? Access. Access to financing, business support, mentorship—things that could change their lives and, in turn, transform entire communities.
Despite progress, real barriers remain
The global gender pay gap persists. On average, women earn between 70-90 percent of what men earn for work of equal value (United Nations, 2024). At this rate, it will take 134 years to close the gap.
Leadership roles? Still out of reach for many. Just 30 percent of middle and senior management positions in G20 countries are held by women (ILO, 2020).
Entrepreneurship? Still an uphill battle. 740 million women worldwide are unbanked and 2.4 billion women do not have the same economic rights as men (World Bank, 2021).
Unpaid care work? Taking care of families, homes, and communities—still falls heavily on women. According to Global Citizen editor, Leah Rodriguez, more than 75 percent of women and girls still perform a disproportionate amount of unpaid care work globally, limiting their financial independence.
Why Investing in Women Matters
When we invest in women, we create stronger economies, more successful businesses, and better social outcomes.
Stronger economies: Higher female workforce participation directly boosts GDP and national productivity. The International Labour Organization estimates that reducing the gender gap in participation 25 percent by 2025 could boost global GDP 3.9 percent (IMF, 2020).
More profitable businesses: Companies with gender-diverse leadership consistently outperform those without (WEF, 2019).
Better social outcomes: Women’s financial independence leads to better education, healthcare, and overall well-being for families and communities (Women's World Banking, 2023).
What Needs to Change?
Close the Wage Gap – Equal pay for equal work shouldn’t be up for debate. Policies that enforce transparency in pay structures are essential.
Support Women Entrepreneurs – More access to funding, mentorship, and business resources means more successful female-led businesses.
Improve Financial Inclusion – Women should have the same access to banking, credit, and investment opportunities as men.
Promote Workplace Equity – Flexible work arrangements, paid parental leave, and childcare support make it easier for women to thrive in their careers.
Invest in Skills Development – Digital skills, financial literacy, and leadership training are game changers for women navigating today’s job market.
This is Everyone’s Responsibility
Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play. Investing in women isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.
"Economic empowerment isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s an everyone issue. "
Beyond One Day
International Women’s Day is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. Real progress happens when we move beyond conversations and take meaningful action.
"When we invest in women, we invest in a better future for all."
References
ILO. (2020, October). Women in managerial and leadership positions in the G20; Data availability and preliminary findings. Retrieved from International Labour Office: https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/wcmsp5/groups/public/@dgreports/@ddg_p/documents/publication/wcms_762098.pdf
IMF. (2020, February). Women in the Labor Force: The Role of Fiscal Policies. Retrieved from International Monetary Fund: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/Staff-Discussion-Notes/Issues/2020/02/11/Women-in-the-Labor-Force-The-Role-of-Fiscal-Policies-46237
United Nations. (2024, September 20). Global Gender Gap Report 2024: It will take 134 years to reach gender parity. Retrieved from United Nations: https://unric.org/en/global-gender-gap-report-2024-it-will-take-134-years-to-reach-gender-parity/
WEF. (2019, April 29). How gender diversity at the top can boost the bottom line - and improve the world. Retrieved from World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2019/04/gender-diversity-makes-great-business-sense/
Women's World Banking. (2023, June 30). Back to Basic, Digital Financing Services: From Exclusion to Empowerment: The Meaning of Financial Inclusion. Retrieved from Women's World Banking: https://www.womensworldbanking.org/insights/from-exclusion-to-empowerment-the-meaning-of-financial-inclusion/
World Bank. (2021). The Global Findex Database 2021. Retrieved from World Bank Group: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/globalfindex/Report
Disclaimer
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. All content and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company.
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