The Impact of the Private Sector on Women's Empowerment

Today, I want to share the importance of the private sector's role in empowering women. This role is fundamental for driving employment, innovation, productivity, and sustainable economic growth.

According to the latest Global Gender Gap Report 2022 from the World Economic Forum, achieving gender parity remains a considerable challenge, as it will take 132 years to achieve this equity.

The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index, first introduced in 2006, measures the magnitude of the gap between women and men in terms of health, education, economy, and political indicators.

In the latest report, Iceland remains at the top of the ranking, followed by Finland and Norway, which are the countries with the smallest gender gaps. In contrast, Afghanistan occupies the last place, followed by Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, being the countries with the largest gender gaps.

From my perspective as a woman, these data reflect an enormous challenge we face in the fight for gender equity. Promoting gender equity is not only the fair option, but also the smartest one. When the number of employed women increases, economies grow. "The World Bank has noted that facilitating more women's access to the global workforce will help double the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate in a decade."

The advancement of women in business is necessary, but above all, it is good business that benefits companies, the economy, and society as a whole. We are key economic agents generating prosperity, employment, innovation, and a powerful engine of development.

These data motivate me to continue working and advocating for gender equity in all areas. It is essential that we recognize the value and potential of women as agents of change and economic growth. Every step we take towards equality not only benefits women but also strengthens our economies and societies as a whole.