A global WB initiative to bridge the gender gap in formal work

The International Finance Corporation IFC (member of the World Bank Group WBG) launched a private sector partnership initiative which seeks to create 300000 new employment opportunities for women over the next two years, and thus work with companies in bridging the gender gap in formal work.
A press conference was convened last Tuesday for that occasion during which the head of the WBG, Jim Yong Kim, indicated that the new “She Works” initiative will involve ten pioneering business enterprises which committed themselves to implement steps that would strengthen women’s employment opportunities such as providing career counseling and leadership training likely to uphold women’s leadership role.  Kim also added that investing in women’s employment is not only the right thing to do but is also important to improve businesses.  He reiterated that companies that will learn how to hone women’s skills and keep their women employees will acquire a competitive edge.  Furthermore, Kim highlighted the importance of women’s work for advancing the economy and as essential for development.  He also added that women face major challenges in the formal job market which push them towards the informal sector.

Source: L’Orient Le Jour 25 September 2014