This study explores evidence of private sector investments that increase women’s participation in leadership, operations, and supply chains. Drawing on over 500 sources and 46 interviews with multinational and national companies, it presents barriers and incentives shaping corporate action on women’s economic empowerment – particularly in financial services, information and communications technology, consumer goods, healthcare, tourism, and transport. Company efforts are grouped into five categories – strategic approaches, workforce, leadership, asset leverage, and external engagement – and ranked as proven, promising, or potential based on available evidence. The study concludes with recommendations for businesses, governments, and development partners to advance women’s equitable participation in the private sector.
Blog » Advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment: Private Sector Landscaping Study (2022)
Advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment: Private Sector Landscaping Study (2022)
This study explores evidence of private sector investments that increase women’s participation in leadership, operations, and supply chains. Drawing on over 500 sources and 46 interviews with multinational and national companies, it presents barriers and incentives shaping corporate action on women’s economic empowerment – particularly in financial services, information and communications technology, consumer goods, healthcare, tourism, and transport. Company efforts are grouped into five categories – strategic approaches, workforce, leadership, asset leverage, and external engagement – and ranked as proven, promising, or potential based on available evidence. The study concludes with recommendations for businesses, governments, and development partners to advance women’s equitable participation in the private sector.