Economic Opportunity & Security – ICRW

The work of women and girls often goes unrecognized, uncompensated, and unrepresented, resulting in unequal economic outcomes and negative effects on their well-being. Structural and systemic barriers contribute to their economic exclusion, including unequal economic laws and rights, the gendered impact of macroeconomic policies, insecure and low-paying jobs without social protections, and the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work.

Furthermore, women and girls face unequal access to education, mentorship, financial and public services, land and assets, leadership positions, and employment opportunities, which can trap them in a cycle of poverty and power imbalances. Efforts to support women’s economic empowerment must address underlying gender norms and power dynamics in efforts to support women’s economic empowerment to avoid unintended consequences such as backlash, gender-based violence, time poverty, gender-segregated labor markets, and detrimental health impacts. Creating an enabling environment where women’s power and skills are recognized, utilized, and leveraged, is essential for women and girls to claim their rights and unlock their full potential to thrive.