Women’s Economic Empowerment: Transforming Systems through Development Practice

Economic opportunities for women in developing and emerging economies can mean greater empowerment in market systems, enhanced gender equality within the household and benefits to children’s well-being. At the same time, when women are able to participate more equitably in the economic realm, there are gains for businesses, sectors, and national and global economies. However, what if the opportunities relegate women to unskilled, low-paid and even hazardous employment or enterprise development? How can we overcome the gendered biases in regulatory frameworks, business environments and community social norms that result in significant barriers to women’s ability to contribute and benefit? What support is needed for women to navigate their care responsibilities while earning a dignified livelihood? What types of interventions can lead to sustainable jobs or successful enterprises? Women’s Economic Empowerment: Transforming Systems through Development Practice is a grounded resource that draws on experiences in diverse contexts such as Libya, Ghana, Nepal, Indonesia and Guatemala. The volume presents proven market systems approaches for women’s economic empowerment, describes the circumstances under which each approach could be applied, and illustrates with examples and case studies. The ultimate goal of the book is to support and inspire long-term and dynamic change that is led by women and men, and is both gender-inclusive and gender-responsive. This book is a resource for practitioners and policy makers, as well as students of development practice and policy, who have an interest in bringing a systems perspective to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. Linda Jones is Vice President Partnerships and Innovation, MEDA. Adam Bramm is a MEDA Associate Director, West Africa, North Africa, and Middle East Region.