Social Sustainability
Women's Economic Empowerment
Definition
Women's economic empowerment is the process by which women gain access to and control over income, assets, employment, markets and financial services, together with the agency to make economic decisions. It spans pay equity, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, land rights and freedom from discrimination and violence.
References
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This reference provides supporting context for how “Women's Economic Empowerment” is defined and used.
Overview
How it is used
Companies adopt the Women's Empowerment Principles and report gender metrics; development programmes invest in women's financial inclusion and skills; procurement and supplier-diversity strategies target women-owned businesses; ESG frameworks include gender indicators.
Why it matters
Gender gaps in pay, assets and opportunity constrain half the population; closing them advances human rights and is associated with measurable gains in growth and development outcomes.