Gender Empowerment Issues

"Women have to fight for their worth, not only in the society, not only in the workplace, but also in the family."  (45-year-old woman, urban South Africa) Gallup and Porticus have partnered to explore gender power imbalances that shape women’s lives in five African countries. The new report, "Gender Power in Africa: Analysis of the Imbalances That Shape Women’s Lives", synthesizes recent World Poll data with scholarly and policy research on gender equality in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe, delving into the drivers of gender dynamics and examining contributors to gender imbalances in sub-Saharan Africa. The report highlights obstacles to gender equality reforms, such as social pressures, gender-based violence and limited government resources -- emphasizing the need for further research to inform inclusive and effective policies. The full report can be downloaded here: https://lnkd.in/d6KM9EUm Key findings: https://lnkd.in/dN26z5Ff Many thanks to all our panellists and partners who helped launch this important work: Nkem Khumbah, Sakina Kamwendo, Jessica Annor, Rita Anyumba and Patrick Godana.

Banks across India are looking to tailor their products and services for women in a bid to boost financial inclusion, Mukta Lad and Shannon Tellis report for The Economic Times. While some banks have savings accounts that automatically put idle funds in fixed deposits and offer locker rental discounts, others have debit cards with higher cashback and loyalty points for women customers, the report says. It is necessary to address the specific challenges that women face, even though the difference between the financial needs of women and men may not be that much, says Shoma Narayanan, MD - Group Strategic Marketing and Communications at DBS Bank India. What kind of financial products do women prefer? Around 65% of women with active balances have invested in fixed or recurring deposits, shares the Executive Director of YES Bank, Rajan Pental. While women who are starting out in their career journeys go for safer investment options, those who have experience often explore stocks and mutual funds, says Arnika Dixit, President - Branch Banking at Axis Bank. When it comes to the urban-rural divide, financial behaviour among women is quite different across each demographic, the report says. While urban women entrepreneurs operate their own accounts and use mobile apps, those in rural areas prefer doorstep banking over faceless digital transactions as they mostly run their businesses from home, says Vaibhav Sharma, Director – Consulting at Deloitte India. That said, there are several challenges in the path of greater financial inclusion for women. Lack of financial literacy across certain demographics, a gender pay gap, cultural norms, limited mobility, and access to official identification are some of them, the report says further. Digital banking services and customer relationship management need to be strengthened as well for women in rural areas. Using technology to develop online courses can make women more comfortable with investing, says Manisha Girotra, CEO of Moelis and Company. Marketing campaigns targeted specifically for women and partnerships with women-centric organisations are also important, Pental adds. Source: The Economic Times - https://lnkd.in/gUF9SvT3 ✍: Abhiraj Ganguli 📷: Getty Images #FinancialInclusion #Banking #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenFinance

Imagine a scenario where thousands of working parents — mostly mothers — are faced with the impossible choice of either cutting back on hours, opting for a less demanding job, or staying at home because affordable, accessible childcare options have disappeared. This is the reality we're approaching and it's not a pretty picture. Pandemic-era aid for childcare will soon end and it will have a huge impact on women’s ability to participate in the U.S. workforce. Millions in aid support will end on September 30, which will force thousands of already strained childcare centers to either shut down or raise their costs. These disruptions won’t be a mere temporary inconvenience for families; they threaten to throw away the hard-won gains #women have made in the #workforce in recent years and exacerbate labor shortages. According to the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the city lost 23 billion in 2022 because parents had to cut hours or leave work because of child care costs. Other pandemic-era programs are set to expire at around the same time, putting added pressure on families' pockets. As we navigate the post-pandemic world, it's vital that we remember the lessons we've learned and the importance of supporting women in the workforce. We need better childcare policies and funding at both the federal and state levels. Data shows that labor market outcomes improve for women when there is an increase in access to care, an increase in care hours, or a reduction in the cost of care. Specifically,  designing childcare services only with the objective of early childhood development in mind may not realize improving labor market outcomes. For example, the hours of operation of childcare facilities matter, as well as the provision of childcare for younger children (under the age of 3). Corporations and other employers also have an important role to play — they can provide access to affordable childcare options, encourage flexible work arrangements and remote work options to accommodate working parents, and design workplaces that take into consideration the needs of pregnant women and mothers of young children. Let's support and advocate for women by working together to find creative solutions to ensure that women don't bear the brunt of these disruptions. Share your thoughts and ideas below 💬💡 👇 #ChildcareMatters #WomenInTheWorkforce https://lnkd.in/eu8pDSzJ

Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of working closely with remarkable women in Pakistan's Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral regions. These women possess incredible talent and ambition, but unfortunately, they often lack the means to showcase their abilities and flourish. I tried to explore the challenges faced by these aspiring women entrepreneurs and discuss the importance of providing them with the necessary platforms and resources to unlock their full potential. 1. Fear of Showcasing Abilities: One common fear that these talented women often face is the fear of showcasing their abilities. Despite possessing the necessary skills and capabilities, they hesitate to step into the spotlight and promote their businesses. This fear may stem from various factors, including societal norms, lack of self-confidence, or limited access to opportunities for skill development. 2. The Need for Proper Platforms: To address this issue, it is crucial to create the right platforms for these women to showcase their talents. This can be achieved through organizing local exhibitions, trade fairs, or business conferences where these women can display their products and services. By providing them with exposure and networking opportunities, we can help them gain confidence and overcome their fear of promoting their ventures. 3. Access to Resources: Another significant challenge faced by these women entrepreneurs is the lack of resources. Whether it is access to finance, training programs, or mentorship, these resources play a vital role in their growth and success. By establishing microfinance initiatives, offering business development workshops, and fostering mentorship programs, we can enable these women to harness their potential and build successful enterprises. 4. The Importance of Financial and Emotional Independence: Empowering women entrepreneurs in Pakistan not only benefits these individuals but also has a positive impact on the overall economy and society. When women are financially independent, they not only improve their own lives but also contribute to the well-being of their families and communities. Moreover, promoting emotional independence instills a sense of empowerment, enabling women to break free from societal constraints and pursue their dreams. In conclusion, there is an urgent need to empower women entrepreneurs in Pakistan, particularly in regions like Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral. By addressing the fear of showcasing abilities, providing proper platforms, and offering access to resources, we can unlock the potential of these talented women and help them achieve financial and emotional independence. Let us work together to create an environment where women can thrive, contribute to the economy, and inspire future generations. MountainShop National Incubation Center (NIC Pakistan) CIRCLE Women Association UNDP

𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬. The conversation was deeply enriching, highlighting the challenges that women continue to overcome daily. 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: Balancing Family and Career Managing household responsibilities while maintaining a full-time job ⇨ Lack of flexible work hours or parental leave ⇨ Social expectations regarding gender roles in the home Societal Pressure and Gender Stereotypes ⇨ Being judged for career choices or work-life balance decisions ⇨ Cultural expectations about marriage, children, and caregiving Health and Safety Concerns ⇨ Gender-based violence or harassment ⇨ Limited access to mental health support tailored for women’s needs 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: Gender Bias and Discrimination ⇨ Unequal opportunities for promotion and leadership roles ⇨ Pay disparities compared to male counterparts for the same work Lack of Mentorship and Networking Opportunities ⇨ Difficulty in finding mentors or allies in male-dominated industries ⇨ Limited access to influential professional networks Workplace Harassment and Inequality ⇨ Sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior in the workplace ⇨ Exclusion from key meetings or decision-making processes due to gender As senior leaders, we have the power and responsibility to come together and support women in both their personal and professional lives. By stepping in as partners and buddies, we can help remove barriers and create an environment of equality and opportunity. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: Mentorship and Sponsorship ⇨ Senior leaders stepping in as mentors to guide career growth ⇨ Offering sponsorship for career advancement opportunities Creating Inclusive Work Environments ⇨ Establishing policies for flexible work hours and paid family leave ⇨ Implementing diversity and inclusion programs to address unconscious bias Providing Safe Spaces and Support Networks ⇨ Encouraging open dialogue about challenges in personal and professional spheres ⇨ Creating support groups or networks that foster collaboration and empowerment Promoting Work-Life Balance ⇨ Providing resources for childcare, mental health support, and wellness initiatives ⇨ Establishing workplace norms that prioritize well-being over rigid expectations Together, we can foster a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for women to thrive in both their personal lives and careers. Let’s stand united as leaders, supporting each other to solve these challenges and create lasting change. 360 ONE #WomenEmpowerment  #WomenLeadership  #PanellistSpeaker

As we enter the busy week leading up to International Women's Day, one of the priorities for UN Women in Pakistan over the next few years will be investing in building capacity for and investing in gender data and analytics. This is also in support of the Prime Minister's directive to generate annual Gender Parity Reports at both federal and provincial level, where we have extended our modest support. If we know exactly where the country stands, are better able to track progress and identify bottlenecks, the more effective and well informed our legal and policy interventions can be to achieve a gender responsive and sustainable future. Our latest analysis on women’s economic empowerment shows that Pakistan remains constrained by gendered labor market structures, discriminatory social norms, and limited access to financial resources. Despite the growing numbers of women entering the workforce, they face disparities in employment opportunities, earnings, and decision-making power. Financial inclusion remains a challenge, with only 13% of women owning a bank account and a mere 2% possessing a debit card. The burden of unpaid domestic and care work also disproportionately falls on women, limiting their participation in the formal economy. Targeted gender-transformative policies, increased investments in care services, and systemic reforms are necessary to create a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape for women.

Following USAID's funding freeze, the UK government has also announced cuts to its international ‘aid’ budget. While these cuts will impact organizations across the development and humanitarian sectors, they will hit grassroots and feminist organizations the hardest—especially those working on issues that are already overlooked and underfunded. For years, women-led, feminist, and grassroots organizations have struggled to access even the smallest amounts of funding. Now, with over $60 billion annually (or even more) in cuts in international development funding, these organizations will find it even harder to access resources. Yes, we can debate the bureaucratic power imbalances that institutions like USAID have reinforced between funders and implementing organizations and the unequal playing field. But we cannot deny that lives are at stake. And maybe this is the time we can interrogate how we can create a funding ecosystem that is actually just, equitable, and capable of addressing structural and systemic challenges. As development practitioners, a few things we need to explore: First, how do we create a balance between responding to urgent humanitarian crises and investing in long-term solutions? Important life-saving programs are in crisis, and while we need to mobilize funding for them, we also need to think about channeling funds to solutions that last. Second, I cannot emphasize enough the need to fund grassroots movements and community-led organizations. We will never be able to address structural issues if sustainable, long-term, flexible funding is not channeled to grassroots-led solutions and if the power is not shifted back to the communities. This needs to be the topmost priority for funders right now. Third, can we rethink how individual philanthropy and crowdfunding work? How can we mobilize and encourage individual donors and philanthropic organizations to move away from one-off campaigns and short-term initiatives and instead invest in long-term change? Fourth, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding is such an untapped resource. Can corporations / private-sector build meaningful, long-term partnerships with grassroots movements instead of just funding feel-good initiatives? #USAID #feministorganizations #grassrootsorganizations #gender #fundingfreeze

To close out Women, Peace and Security week - a brief note on $$$ The SG's WPS report notes: 💲 bilateral aid supporting feminist, women-led and women's rights organizations and movements in conflict-affected countries remains low -- $142 million average per year for 2021-2022, a DECREASE from $191 M in 2019-2020. 💲 funding to women's civil society organizations in conflict-affected countries has now dropped for 3 years in a row. 💲 in the same period, only 5% of official development assistance to conflict-affected countries had gender equality as a principal objective -- despite calls for a MINIMUM target of 15%. 💲 In 2023, only 23.1% of financial requirements for prevention and response to gender-based violence in conflict settings were met. 💲 tracking financial allocations and flows is still challenging. Clearly, financing this agenda lags behind rhetorical commitments. Finally a reminder from Canada's statement during the open debate that in addition to the overall amount of funding, how the money flows is also important: "while women peacebuilders in civil society remain dramatically under-resourced, there is growing recognition that while the amount of funding matters, so too does its form. Peace is not a project, and the most impactful funds are predictable and multi-year, flexible, and sometimes fast. The result is more efficient and effective uses of public funds, more relevant responses to crises, and more trust – often the scarcest currency during conflict and crises." Will next year's data be different? New commitments and bold investments are needed. (links in a comment below)

Gender Inclusivity in Agriculture; The Missing Link in Most Agricultural Projects in Developing Countries. Gender inclusivity in agriculture until recently has been a critical aspect often overlooked in many agricultural projects in developing nations. Despite the key roles women play in agriculture, their contributions are frequently undervalued and barriers to their active participation persist. Recognizing and addressing the gender gap is essential for the success, sustainability, and impact of agricultural initiatives, especially in many developing countries. In this post, I share with you some reasons why lack of gender inclusivity is often entrenched in most agricultural projects. 1.Unpaid Care Work Burden In our part of the world, activities related to childcare, household chores and other domestic responsibilities are often unpaid for. These activities mostly limit the time and energy they dedicate to agricultural activities and hinder their capacity to engage fully in agriculture or agribusiness ventures. 2. Socio-cultural Barriers Deep-rooted sociocultural norms in most developing nations are patriarchal and often marginalize women’s inclusion in agricultural activities. Some of these barriers limit their access to resources such as land, major livestock, credit facilities and lack of representation in decision making etc. Their limited access to resources and exclusion from discussions on resource allocation, project planning, and policy formulation often result in projects that do not address their specific needs and challenges. 3. Gender-Blind Policies Sadly, most agricultural policies in many developing nations and most developing projects lack a gender perspective. Policies that fail to consider the specific needs, challenges, and contributions of women in agriculture perpetuate inequalities and hinder the success of agricultural projects. The attainment of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be far-fetched if we don’t embrace Gender Inclusivity in agriculture as developing nations. #Womenempowerment #GenderInclusivity #Inequalities #Agriculture #IFPRI #WFP

🌍 Gender and Environmental Challenges in the Developing World 1. Disproportionate Vulnerability Women in developing countries are often more vulnerable to environmental challenges due to: i). Poverty and limited access to resources (land, credit, education, technology) ii). Heavy dependence on natural resources (forests, water, land) for daily livelihoods iii). Limited voice in decision-making processes (community, policy, household) iv). Increased burden from environmental degradation (e.g., walking farther for water/firewood) 2. Key Environmental Challenges Affecting Women a). Climate Change: Women face higher exposure to climate risks (e.g., floods, droughts) but have fewer resources to adapt b) Deforestation: Loss of fuelwood, herbs, and food sources, often collected by women. c). Water Scarcity: Women and girls spend more time collecting water, reducing time for education or paid work. d). Agricultural Decline: Women farmers have less access to inputs and land rights but are responsible for food production. e). Waste & Pollution: Indoor air pollution from cooking with biomass affects women’s health more severely. 3. Gender Inequalities That Exacerbate the Crisis Legal barriers to land ownership Gender-blind policies that fail to reflect women’s needs or voices Underrepresentation in environmental governance Informal labor roles that go unrecognized in adaptation and mitigation programs 4. Women as Environmental Stewards Despite the challenges, women are vital agents of environmental protection: *Indigenous women preserve traditional ecological knowledge *Women’s groups lead local conservation, reforestation, and clean energy initiatives *Female farmers are innovating in climate-smart agriculture 5. Pathways for Change To ensure equity and sustainability: *Integrate gender analysis into environmental programs and climate action *Support women’s access to land, finance, and green technology *Invest in women-led initiatives on conservation, resilience, and green jobs *Strengthen women’s leadership in environmental decision-making FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network, Women Educational Researchers of Kenya, Women's Empowerment Link Gender Equity Unit, UoN Anthropology and Gender Students Association, Gender Equity Policy Institute (GEPI), Institute for Faith and Gender Empowerment (IFAGE), CGIAR GENDER Accelerator, Gender, Work & Organization, HBS Race, Gender & Equity Initiative, UN Environment Programme, Gender, Adolescent Transitions & Environment (GATE) Program, EU Environment and ClimateEnvironmental Defense Fund Europe