Why Women Matter to the Global Economy
Why do women matter to the global economy? The Women’s Democracy Network (WDN) answers this question throughout the 2018 International Women’s Day Conference.
This week, Women’s Democracy Network is hosting its annual International Women’s Day Conference in Washington, D.C. A yearly event, this year’s conference focuses on bringing together active women leaders from around the world who are committed to reducing political barriers to drive economic growth in their communities and countries.
The five-day conference is creating a platform for women in the private and public sector to work collaboratively to increase economic growth in their countries. Why does this matter? Achieving women’s economic empowerment is not a quick fix. If governments fully close the gender gap, women can contribute as much as $28 trillion, or 26 percent, to the global annual GDP by 2025.
What will it take? Sound public policies, a holistic approach and a long-term commitment from all developing actors. Increasing the role of women in the formal economy is critical to advance economic resilience and strengthening the peace and stability in countries.
During the week, the delegation will have the opportunity to draft economic growth action plans, develop strategies for private-public partnerships and how to efficiently develop a communications strategy. The women will also engage with different stakeholders and learn best practices to best work with policymakers to raise awareness of the critical role of women in the economy, and the positive effect it will have on their country’s GDP.
The Women’s Democracy Network is pleased to have a group of dynamic women join us and celebrating International Women’s Day!
Follow WDN and me on Twitter to learn more about the dynamic change makers and join the conversation by using the hashtag #BornToLead.
Meet this year’s delegation
Albana Vokshi
Member of Parliament, Albania
Chairwoman, Parliamentary Committee on Education and Public Information
Anna Kanopatskaya
Member of Parliament, Belarus Opposition
Member, Standing Committee on Economic Policy
Hon. Dr. Beatrice Elachi
Speaker, Nairobi City County Assembly
Chairperson, Nairobi City County Assembly Service Board
Adriana Contreras Vera
General Director of Rural Development
Secretariat of Rural Development and Equity of Mexico City
Hind Touassi
Elected Official, Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services of Agadir, Morocco
Co-founder and Vice President of Moubadirates NGO
Ayisha Osori
Chairperson, Open Society Initiative West Africa, Nigeria
Author, “Love Does Not Win Elections”
April Marie Dayap
City Councilor, Davao City, Philippines
Chairperson, Committee on Cooperatives and People’s Participation
Hergui Luina Fernandes Alves
President, Timor-Leste Business Woman Association (AEMTL)
Director, Nova Casa Fresca Lda
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