Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE)
The business case for gender equality is clear: Gender economic parity could add $12 trillion a year to GDP. More woman in senior management or on corporate boards, as well as generally more gender diverse companies leads to higher returns. Women control over USD 20 trillion in global spending, and have thus a major influence on the global economy. It is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of the SDGs, which call for full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, as well as for equal pay, in target 8.5.
However, women remain overrepresented in the informal sector, as well as in the lowest paid and most exposed areas of work, and primarily relegated to – frequently unpaid – care and domestic work. This does not only limit their economic, but also their educational opportunities, and increases their exposure to health risks and gender-based violence.
The SDC is committed to promoting
- Women’s access to professional and entrepreneurship skills and opportunities
- Women’s equal participation in the labor market
- Women’s access to and control over assets, services and support needed to advance economically
- Decision- making and agency regarding economic matters in the private and public spheres
- Private sector investments for gender equality
- Social norms change regarding women’s economic activities and the distribution of domestic work within the household
- Quality, affordable and accessible care services and infrastructure