The ability of women to drive change is greatly improved when they are empowered in the economic decisions of their communities. Few videos explain this as much as this one, talking about the girl effect.
Next week, Anna Nadgrodkiewicz, my colleague here at CIPE will attend a forum in New York, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the United Nations Office for Partnerships, that will bring together thought leaders and policymakers to discuss the role that women’s economic empowerment plays in development, and how this can be expanded through partnerships. I for one am very excited to hear about what Anna learns in New York, and I look forward to sharing it with you when I get the full report!
On March 8, the U.S. Chamber Business Civic Leadership Center and United Nations Office for Partnerships will celebrate International Women’s Day at the Ford Foundation headquarters. This annual forum brings together leaders committed to the economic empowerment of women. In 2012, these leaders included Lauren Bush Lauren of FEED projects, author of Half the Sky Sheryl WuDunn, Charlotte Oades from Coca-Cola Company, Sarah Thorn from Walmart, and many more who spoke about the role of business in empowering women globally.
In 2013, this forum will expand upon 2012 and explore the influential role women play in the global business value chain. As more women formally enter into the economy, positive macroeconomic externalities include increased productivity for business, increased school attendance for civil society, and higher economic growth rates in host countries—externalities seen in Rwanda and China. However, woman and girls still face many challenges in attaining economic independence. This forum will highlight the influential role women play in the business sector and how companies and their partners are working to catalyze the economic empowerment of women in global markets.
Learn more about the conference at BCLC’s website.
Colin Buerger is Program Officer for Global Programs at CIPE.