Gender Lens
When women rise, we all rise.
Gender inequality contributes to economic inefficiency. It can limit economic growth, constrain the expansion of trade and other business opportunities, undermine competitiveness, and hinder development outcomes. In many places, women are less able than men to capitalize on business opportunities because they face unique obstacles and constraints. We work to solve this.
Closing the gender gap is a transformative opportunity.
Closing the gender gap in economic participation could lift the global GDP by more than 20 percent (World Bank, 2024). And in addition to the economic benefit of women’s participation in SMEs, the social benefits are numerous. When women are economically active, they gain the power to control and benefit from economic gains and decision-making power. When women decide when and how to spend their resources, research shows that the wellbeing of families and communities increases. More resources are spent on children’s wellbeing, women become more active in their communities, and women’s voices are better heard, leading to more inclusive societies.
How We Create Impact
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Our gender-sensitive interventions focus on expanding access to markets for women entrepreneurs, taking into account unique barriers they face.
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Our gender-sensitive training courses are tailored to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs, and women mentors are available to women entrepreneurs.
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Research findings draw attention to the specific needs of women, as well as opportunities to support and accelerate their economic participation.
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Building Markets highlights women entrepreneurs' stories, which can serve as models that can inspire others. Additionally, the Business Directory offers a search filter to show businesses that are women-owned.
